May 5, 2024
Included | Romans 15:1-13
Unlikely Friends
Paul never recovered from God's invitation to the Gentiles.
Like some of us, perhaps, he felt that some people should be excluded because of where they were born or how badly they had behaved.
More than included, Paul instructs that former ‘outsiders’ should be treated as precious insiders - even better than we would treat ourselves. What would it look like if love came to town?
Songs for this week: Spotify
- Do you have a friend you never thought would be your friend? Tell that story.
- How could a strong Christian ‘bear with the failings’ of a weak Christian? Give an example.
- The Scriptures often teach us about endurance and provide us with encouragement. What passages have recently inspired you in your faith journey?
- Hope features loudly in this passage. How do you explain your hope to someone who doesn’t yet believe?
- As you look at our world, who would be the least likely to become friends with each other? Take time to pray for that impossible friendship.
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Recent Sermons
Mark 1:35 - Jesus modelled a life of restraint and rhythm, showing us how to live with peace and purpose even amid urgency through the practices he shared.
Luke 6:39-49 - Jesus reminds us that we all have teachers shaping us. Some lead us astray, but when we follow him, we learn to live as we were truly meant to.
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
