Message: God Restores and Redeems
Speaker: Greg Holder
Leaders, welcome your group and check in with each of them and then open in prayer.
Pastor Greg opened with a question-take some time to discuss:
- what does the word "redeemed" mean to you?
- How does it apply to you personally?
In the video exchange with Pastor Greg and Dan Allender, they talked of us being rescued out of what was broken and into the life we were made for. The beginning of the story- Eden.
- What do you picture when you read or hear of this garden?
- How does your concept or cultural concept of Eden contrast with the true meaning in Scripture?("Shalom"- but not the concept of peace/absence of conflict but the profound RIGHTNESS and WHOLENESS of creation and relationships.)
It was to this wholeness, goodness and perfection that we were made for but when sin-rebellion-and betrayal entered the world, all became broken- including us.
- It is from sin that we need redemption. What are your thoughts when it comes to the idea of sin?
- From the beginning God put into place a plan of redemption, where justice and sacrifice were intertwined. . . on the Cross. It was costly.
- What does the steep cost- the life of Jesus, say to you about the devastation of sin...and the value of us to God?
- How have you experienced redemption? Personally?(Leaders, you know your group- choose which line of questions would best serve the people in your group)
- Pastor Greg spoke about those who identify as Christians because they are not Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, etc.) Raised in a culture of Christianity, intellectually accepting but keeping a "comfortable distance" from God or a deep commitment to Him. Or there are those who have surrendered, confessed their sin and brokenness and chosen to follow Jesus- Imperfect but devoted. Where do you fit?
As Christ-followers, we are the first to admit that life is not all smooth-sailing. Jesus was honest with us even in this. Read John 16:33
No one goes through life untouched by grief, loss, pain, sorrow. But even small things can be a hindrance. What do you do in such seasons of life? What are ways both healthy and unhealthy that you fall into in order to cope? Take a few minutes to discuss.
Some things we use to forget or numb out are not bad in and of themselves- but they can be a distraction from the good God wants to do in our lives.
- Read from Psalm 142 the whole Psalm. What is David doing here?
God invites us to bring our whole selves to Him- in all the rawness and pain. He understands and is big enough.
- Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and discuss
- Read the passage from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 and discuss
In God's economy, nothing is wasted. Not our pain, our loss, our tragedies. We live in the space between "already and not yet"
Where do you need to find hope and healing in your life right now.
As a group ask for prayer requests and spend some time praying for one another - praying that God would meet and comfort each person exactly where they need.
Read
John 16:33
Psalm 142:1-5
2 Cor 1:3-5
Hebrews 4:14-16
Reflect
Reflect on what our sin and brokenness and moral failures cost Jesus and what that says about our worth to Him.
Do
Spend some time sharing specific difficulties, challenges, or things you need God to show up for in a big way.
Pray for one another