April 14 – 20

Weekly Reading for April 14 – 20

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: Whole Relationships in a Broken World
Sermon Title: The Joy of Fun, Play and Laughter

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on April 21, 2024:


Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: Whole Relationships in a Broken World
Sermon Title: The Freedom of Forgiveness
Delivered On: April 14, 2024

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

Ephesians 4:32 ”Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.“


Prayer Direction

Thank God for the freedom in Christ you experience and the freedom His forgiveness provides you. Ask for eyes to see any relationships in your life where unforgiveness might exist. Ask God to show you and ask Him for the courage, strength, and compassion to forgive that person or those persons.


“Live It!” Challenge

Freedom to Forgive

Small Group Discussion

  1. Describe a time in your life when you experienced someone forgiving you. What was the context, and how did this change/reinforce your relationship for the better?

  2. Read: Ephesians 1:1-8. What do these verses remind us about God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness for us?

  3. How does this allow us to live in a relationship with others and experience and express forgiveness freely and lavishly?

  4. Read: Matthew 18:21-22. What do you think Peter was asking on behalf of the other disciples? Where was his heart? How did Jesus reframe and redirect Peter’s question? What is Jesus saying to us as well?

  5. You may have heard the old adage, “Forgive and forget.” How is this saying a faulty and unbiblical response? Can you see how someone could quickly take advantage of another if they applied this saying to their relationship?

  6. Read: Colossians 3:13 and [Ephesians 4:32. The Apostle Paul makes similar statements to two different churches. What do you think was happening in Colossae and Ephesus at that time? What is the standard for our forgiveness of others? How does that translate to your relationships?

  7. Is there a person in your life from whom you have or are currently withholding attention, affection, or appreciation due to unforgiveness? Be honest with the group and ask for the group to pray for you as you take steps to forgive them and, if necessary, seek reconciliation.