Aug 15 – Aug 21

Weekly Reading for Aug 15 – Aug 21

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: The Forgotten Art
Sermon Title: The Forgotten Art of Acceptance

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on August 22, 2021:


Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: The Forgotten Art
Sermon Title: The Forgotten Art of Forgiveness
Delivered On: August 15, 2021

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.


Prayer Direction

Ask God to help you identify one person you need to forgive and pray for the power to consistently extend the grace and forgiveness of Jesus to this person.


“Live It!” Challenge

A Simple Text – If you can think of a person who has wronged you and you have grown estranged from, consider writing a short text to this person and extend a first step toward forgiveness. Invite them to meet for coffee or to have a conversation on the phone with you. Let them know you want to seek reconciliation and that you are willing to talk, pray, and sort out what happened. Prayerfully see where God takes this.


Small Group Discussion

  1. What is something that has changed over time that you really miss?

  2. Why do you think it seems like forgiving others is getting more difficult and rarer?

  3. Read: Matthew 18:21-35 - Why do you think Jesus calls His people to forgive at a level that is so far beyond what the world does (and what we might do in our own power)?

  4. What kind of contrast does Jesus draw between those who forgive and those who refuse to forgive? Why do you think Jesus is so severe about the consequences on those who are forgiven much but refuse to forgive others?

  5. Read: Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 - What do you think it means to forgive others the way Jesus has forgiven us?

  6. How have you personally experienced and joyfully received the forgiveness of Jesus? How would your life be different if you did not have the grace and forgiveness of the Savior?

  7. What do you think is contributing to the erosion of a forgiving spirit and forgiveness between people? What can we do to fight against these things?

  8. Tell about a time someone forgave you with a Jesus-like heart. What did you learn from this person and how did their attitude and actions impact you?

  9. How can your group members support you and pray for you as you seek to forgive someone who has wronged you?