1. Can you recall a time when you suffered from feelings of shame or guilt? You don’t need to share the particulars of the situation with the group, but share with each other how shame and guilt affected your relationships with God and other people in your life.

2. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. What contrasts does Paul draw between our works (vv9-10) and God’s works (v11)? What is the effect of each?

3. In his sermon today, Robb called this ‘theology of identity’ the foundation of a Christian sexual ethic. What are the primary identity-shaping factors recognized in our broader culture? How do they compare or contrast with Paul’s claims in 1 Cor?

4. In his sermon today, Robb read several quotes from Laurence Koo, a Navigator who struggles with same sex attraction. What peculiar challenges might be faced by believers who struggle with SSA or gender dysphoria (‘feeling’ like one belongs to a gender other than their biological sex)? How might their experiences challenge and enrich the church at large?
   
   You can read more about Laurence in his study Homosexuality and Following Jesus.

5. Worship God together for the identity-shaping truths of the Gospel. Pray together for God’s healing and deliverance in the lives of one another and others in your lives, in light of 1 Cor 6:9-11.

For Further Study

1. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. If verses 9-11 are a ‘theology of identity’, then verses 12-20 constitute a ‘theology of the body.’ What truths claims does Paul make about the body in these verses? What are the implications of those truth claims?

2. “All things are lawful for me” (v12) is understood by most scholars as a slogan in the Corinthian church, celebrating freedom in Christ. It may have even been a phrase that originated with Paul himself, only to be twisted and abused to justify licentiousness. What principles does Paul use here to temper the doctrine of Christian liberty?

3. “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” (v13) is another Corinthian slogan, used to minimize the significance of the body and its appetites (thereby justifying indulgence). Paul corrects the church by saying that the body is not for indulging appetites like sexual immorality, but “For the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” In what way is the body for the Lord? In what way is the Lord for the body? (For help, see the companion verse, Romans 6:13)

4. Read 1 Corinthians 6:18. In many NT passages, we are told to ‘stand’ against temptation (Eph 6:11, 14), but regarding sexual immorality we are told to flee. Jesus likewise has hyperbolic warnings about avoiding sexual sin (Matt 5:29). Why do you think this extra attention is given to sexual sin?

5. In verses 19, Paul relates the Christian’s body to a temple. How is this theological reality related to his statement in v18 about sinning against one’s own body? See 1 Cor 3:16-17 for help.

6. Verse 20 serves as a summarizing statement for all of 6:12-20. How does God’s purchase of us through the blood of Christ affect the way that we relate to our bodies and sexuality?

1. Even though the ‘sexual revolution’ began in the middle of the last century, most people still prefer to keep any discussion about sexuality at arm’s length. Why do you think we find it difficult to have frank, honest discussion about our own sexual experiences and brokenness?

2. In the sermon today, Robb spoke about the two pitfalls of Affirmation (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) and Condemnation (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). Can you think of concrete examples of the people erring in each of these ways in the name of Christ? Why are these pitfalls so dangerous?

3. Read 1 Cor 5:6-8. Instead of affirmation and condemnation, Paul leads the church through Gospel Proclamation. Here Paul uses the imagery of the Passover to remind the church of the Gospel. Take a moment to review these gospel truths out loud. What does the festival of Passover commemorate? What is the significance of the leaven, the bread, and the sacrificial lamb?

4. Why is the Gospel a better way to deal with our shame and guilt than Affirmation & Condemnation? What does the Gospel require of us?

5. Read 1 Cor 5:2-5. Most scholars understand the language of vv3-4 as an invocation of Paul’s apostolic authority, and v5 as an idiomatic way to describe excommunication. If it is true that ‘deliver this man to Satan’ means ‘put him out of fellowship’, what does it tell us about the importance of regular fellowship for our spiritual vitality?

6. In his sermon, Robb quoted an Andrew Peterson song called I’ve Got News. You can listen to the song here. Take time together to worship Christ for the good news of the Gospel and its transforming power in our lives.

For our final week on Cruciform Unity, Pastor Ed Haywood (Tabernacle Church of Norfolk) was our guest preacher, speaking to us from Luke 10, the parable of the Good Samaritan.

1. Read Luke 10:25-37, and compare it with 1 Corinthians chapters 1-4. How do the actions of the Samaritan illustrate the teaching we’ve covered over the last month?

2. Pastor Haywood said, “Encountering Jesus changes who my neighbor is.” In your own life, who would have been considered an enemy before Christ called you (think about your family upbringing, etc.)? How has your calling changed who your neighbor is?

3. Pastor Haywood told the story of saying to a police officer, “Blue lives matter to me.” Why might that be difficult for an African American leader to say publicly? What kind of cultural baggage might be tied to a statement like that in the black community?

4. Pastor Haywood also challenged white evangelicals to be willing to say to their black brothers and sisters, “Black lives matter to me.” Similar to the previous question, what kind of cultural baggage might be tied to a statement like that makes it hard for some people to say? When is it worth being misunderstood/mislabeled in order to cross cultural boundary lines in Jesus’ name? When is it not?

5. This is the last week before the elections. Download the sample ballot and pray by name for each of the candidates. Pray also for the humility, repentance, righteousness and courageous faith of the church. End with a time of worship and thanksgiving to our sovereign, faithful Servant King Jesus.

1. Recall a time when you witnessed someone serving in a truly sacrificial way. What motivated that behavior? What was the result?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Paul says stewards must be found faithful. What does faithfulness to the gospel look like in concrete terms? Where in your life is that faithfulness most tried?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. The social sciences have largely divided cultures into two cultural camps: Honor cultures place importance on socially conferred worth, reputation, and a positive social image, all of which can be granted or taken away by others. In contrast, dignity cultures place importance on context independent, individual, and inherent worth, which is less affected by the social regard of others. Where would you plot our current culture on this cultural continuum? How do these verses inform our cultural judgments?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 4:4-16. What contrasts does Paul make in this passage? What is the significance in the contrasts he makes?

5. In the sermon today, Robb referenced Jimmy Davis’ book, Cruciform: Living the Cross Shaped Life. There, Pastor Davis includes the diagram and instructions below. Take some time to work through the diagram and share with one another in your group.

1. Think about the places or relational networks you visit on at least a weekly basis: for example, Home, Church, Work, School, Extended Family, Community (includes stores, restaurants, the gym, etc.), Online Communities, Clubs, Teams, and so on.  Write the names of these places/networks on the “tables” in the diagram.  (I’ve found it best to use pencil, especially as you begin to add names later on.)

2. Think of at least three people with whom you regularly interact in each of those places, people who “sit” at each of those “tables.”  Write their names around or beside the tables.  (For the Home table you must include all the people with whom you live, even it’s more than three.  You can’t just choose your favorite three!)  Be sure to write small enough to leave room to add names to these tables.

3. Begin to serve the people in your section of tables by praying for them.  Pray for a different table each day if you wish.  Perhaps you could make a 3x5 prayer request card for each table, keeping a record of specific items to pray for each person at that table.  You’ll find that as you pray for them, you’ll begin to look at them with fresh eyes and a you‐first heart when you see them during the week.

1. Take a moment as a group to flesh out the ‘codes of conduct’ for two common tribes: the political left & right. Tribalism says. “Earn your place. Be the right kind of person, do and say the right things, avoid the wrong people, and you can be part of our tribe.” What are the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ things on each side? How do the two sides compare?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and 1:26-31. How would you describe the criteria given for entering into the ‘fellowship of his Son’ (v9)? How is this gospel community different from the tribal economies described in question 1?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. Why does Paul call the Corinthians ‘infants’? What would it look like for them to become mature?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. What word pictures does Paul use to describe the relationship between God, the church, and church leaders? What do these word pictures tell us about God and how we are to relate to him?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and reflect on this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:
   
   Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest, and sacrificial. God hates this wish-dream because it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious. Those who dream of this idealized community demand that it be fulfilled by God, by others, and by themselves. They enter the community of Christians with their demands, set up their own law, and judge one another and even God accordingly.
   
   What destructive ‘wish dreams’ do you carry with you into the Christian community? How could they impede the fellowship Christ intends to build among us?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. What does Paul mean when he says, “All things are yours”? What does this have to do with boasting and factionalism? Spend some time in worship and thanksgiving for the truth of these verses, and for the community Christ has purchased and created through his blood.
   
   

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? What do our childhood aspirations tell us about what we count look to for significance? How have you seen those aspirations play out in real life?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. Make a list of the truths Paul celebrates in himself and the church. Which of these truths is most meaningful to you right now? Why?

3. Paul talks about calling a number of times in 1 Corinthians 1 (vv 1, 2, 9, 24, 26). From these verses, what can you deduce about the meaning of ‘calling’ for Paul? If you heard this week’s sermon, review the difference between modern and biblical notions of ‘calling’.

4. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. What is Paul after when he tells the church to ‘consider your calling’? How does this concept of calling push against a self-promoting, strengths-based culture?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 1:9. How does our calling affect our unity?

6. Take some time to “consider your calling” together. Have a few people share with the group about how they were called to Christ. Spend time giving thanks and worshiping God for his great mercy in calling you into the fellowship of his Son.

1. Take a moment to do a short survey of cultural patterns together as a group. What patterns are well-established in our culture? Which patterns are changing or challenged? Which cultural patterns do you think are healthy, and why?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Based on these verses, what is the gospel? How would you tell the story of the past, present, and future work of the gospel in the life of the believer? In other words, what is the significance of referring to the gospel as that “which you received, in which you stand, by which you are being saved”?

3. Robb spoke this morning about the cruciform life, or a life conformed to the pattern of the cross. What would you say are the main characteristics of a cross-shaped life? Of a cross-shaped community?

4. Review the 4 elements of the Fall Focus. Which one[s] will be easy for you? Which one[s] will be hard? Commit together to these 4 elements now through November:

   1. Sunday mornings: Commit to regular attendance, and bring a friend who isn’t connected to a local church.

   2. Daily Word & Prayer: Use the Scripture Journal to read & journal through one page of scripture per day. Or create your own rhythm to daily meet with the Lord.

   3. Community: Take Initiative to connect with a community group, women’s bible study, or men’s growth group.

   4. Fast & Pray: Starting Sept 24, devote yourself to prayer & fasting for 40 days till election day. Follow along with Jack Countryman’s If My People 40 Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation. Hard copies will be in the office soon!

1. Read Exodus 28:15-21 to get a sense of the detail and quality of a priestly garb. Compare that with the “clothing” we are to wear as royal priests in 2020 (see 1 Peter 5:5 and Colossians 3:12-14).

2. The priest should have appropriate talk becoming of his/her status. Discuss some scriptures that highlight how we are to use our words.

3. Has the church allowed the use of social media to undermine the unity of the church? How can VBCC be an example of health in this area?

4. Lastly, the priest is to exhibit appropriate behavior. How can we live as royal priests with such behavior? 1 Peter 2:1-3 and James 1:22-25 give wonderful insights.

5. How can we as a church repent (turn away from evil and toward Christ) from our failure to look, sound, and live like the priests that we are?

1. Where do you go to find rest from the war? Where do you search for flourishing?

2. Why does integrity take such a prominent place in the prayer of David? Of Israel? Of Christ?

3. What is the connection between language, money, and sacrifice? Do you see these ideas present in other passages of Scripture?

4. How does grace tie these things together? Why doesn’t grace undo the need for moral excellence? How might grace amplify our integrity and personal sacrifice?

1. Slowly read Psalm 62 aloud, pausing when you reach each Selah. After the reading, discuss your experience of the psalm as a reader/listener. As a work of art, how does this psalm affect your focus, emotions, desires, etc?

2. Verse 1 begins “For God alone my soul waits in silence.” What does it mean to wait for God? What is the importance of the word ‘alone’?

3. What disorienting circumstances does the psalmist recognize in vv3-4, 9-10? Where/when have you encountered these phenomena in your own life? Or, what other circumstances have brought about a sense of disorientation in your life? What does it look like to hope in God during a season of spiritual disorientation?

4. Verses 11-12 speak of the power, love, and justice of God. How are each of these evidenced in the cross of Jesus?

5. Chiasmus (or chiasm) is a poetic structure defined as a "reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses.” Some scholars recognize a chiastic structure (ABCCBA) in Psalm 62 as shown below. In this case, the central C section is the ‘punchline’ of the psalm. Why might the psalmist structure the psalm this way.

   • A - Testimony of Trust (vv1-2)

     • B - Complaint (vv3-4)

       • C - Testimony of Trust (vv5-6)

       • C - Testimony of Trust (vv7-8)

     • B - Complaint (vv9-10)

   • A - Testimony of Trust (vv11-12)

6. Verse 8 offers us two instructions. The first is to ‘Trust in him at all times.’ What times are you experiencing in your group right now? Discuss what it looks like to trust in him. Secondly, the verse says, “Pour out your heart before him.” Take some time as a group to pour out your hearts together in prayer before God.

1. Read Psalm 133 aloud. Read slowly and pause between phrases to take it in. After the reading, have each person share a single word to describe the feeling they had while the psalm was being read. Where does David lead us emotionally?

2. Before Aaron was anointed with the holy anointing oil, he was dressed in the holy attire of the high priest. Part of that attire is a breastplate containing 12 gems representing the 12 tribes of Israel. “Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.” (Exo 28:29) 
   
   What was the high priest’s role in establishing unity for Israel? What is Jesus’ role in establishing unity for the church? (See Eph 2:11-22 for help.)

3. David repeatedly describes the downward motion of the oil (v2) and the dew (v3). What is the significance of that motion (see James 1:17 for help)? Why is it important that our unity be founded on shared grace received, rather than shared history, opinion or action?

4. In Israel, Mt Hermon is the most significant mountain in the north, and Zion is the most significant mountain in the south. These two reference points convey a sense of totality (ie, “from New York to LA”), but also evoke the memory of a 7 1/2 year-long civil war between north and south that began with David’s inauguration as king. In light of that conflict, how does the tone of the poem change?

5. Create art in response to Psalm 133. Write your own psalm for unity, using imagery from our context. Or, draw/paint unity-themed pictures. If you are brave, share your artwork on our facebook page with the hashtags #Psalm133 #Unity

When you think about the Gospel message, do you include Jesus’ resurrection as an equal component with his death and burial? Often, the way we talk about the Gospel in evangelical circles makes it seem like Jesus is still in the grave, but that’s not the case; he’s resurrected! What does his resurrection say about the type of faith a Christian has? On a basic level, the Christian faith is a living faith, not a dead faith; a happy faith, not a sad faith; a hopeful faith, not a mournful faith (that’s not to say there aren’t times to mourn of be sad, but the resurrection of Jesus and our future resurrection is the final word in our story of faith and that is an encouraging thought).

Jesus, other than giving physical proofs of his resurrection, the only other proof he used was the Scriptures. Luke wrote his Gospel so that Theophilus (and us) can have certainty. How do you think about the Bible? Is is good stories that teach us to be moral? Is it mostly true with some unbelievable stuff in there? Or, is the Bible the authoritative word of God, true in every word? What would it change about your life and faith to recognize that when we sit down to read the Bible or study the Bible we are sitting down to a totally different category of literature, God’s Word? Do you think the Scripture is sufficient to lead us into salvation and to instruct us in our day-to-day lives? In the past, what other authorities have you put on equal footing with the Scripture?

In considering the resurrected Jesus’ commandment for his people to be witnesses, how does that make you feel? Does it feel weighty or burdensome? Does it feel uncomfortable? Do those feelings change when we consider the fact that in Luke 24, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to his followers and that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now resides in us and God’s Holy Spirit is ready to empower our witness? What would change in our lives if instead of feeling like witnessing is a “should” it is a “get to”? Instead of saying that I should share my faith and I should testify to the saving power of the Gospel, I get to do those things and see God work the miracle of faith in the people around me? Maybe this isn’t where you are today, but for me, this is a good place to repent of my lack of belief in God’s promises, and my lack of compassion for those who haven’t heard the Gospel message.

1. Read Luke 23:44-49. Luke records the centurion’s confession (v47) as the ‘final pronouncement’ on Jesus’ life. What do you think he witnessed that convinced him of Jesus’ innocence?

2. Jesus’ innocence unmasks our sin. Read Luke 23:13-25 and list the characters mentioned. How does each contribute to the end result of an innocent man being killed? What underlying sins/motivations are exposed along the way? How does the cross unmask our sin as well?

3. Jesus’ innocence conquers over sin. Read Col 2:15 and Revelation 5:1-5. Why does Jesus’ blood conquer sin when nobody else’s can?

4. Jesus’ innocence replaces our sin. The veil of the temple (v45) represented a necessary separation between a holy God and sinful man. What role did Jesus’ innocence play in the veil’s destruction and our access to God? (For help, see Heb 7:26-27, 10:19-25)

5. Jesus’ innocence is our mission. Read Philippians 2:14-16. What role does innocence play in the witness of the church? In v16, some translations read ‘holding fast’ while others read ‘holding forth’. What is the difference between these, and why are both necessary? How does a mission of innocence affect the way we respond to the unrest in our nation today?

6. Luke 23 is designed to focus our attention on Christ, his innocence, his power, and his mercy. Take time together to reflect slowly and quietly on the passage and respond in prayer and worship.

For further discussion

1. Our nation is experiencing extraordinary unrest after the killing of George Floyd. Share with one another how you are personally processing. What emotions are you feeling? How do you think the Lord wants you to respond?

2. Pastor Chris Georges stressed the importance of ‘deep empathy’, of recognizing injustice and racism not as ‘their’ problem but as ‘our’ problem. What makes empathy between black and white cultures in America so difficult? What role can we play in addressing the issue?

3. In the dialog with Pastor Georges, Robb mentioned two unhealthy ways to respond to Floyd’s killing: violence/destruction and apathy/silence. Why is each of these unhealthy? To which are you more inclined?

4. In the current climate, the loudest voices tend to be accusatory ones on every side. It is important to confess and repent of sin, but it is also important to celebrate the grace of God and give thanks for the good work he has accomplished. Where have you seen forward motion regarding justice and racial reconciliation in our nation? In our church? In your personal sphere?

5. Look again at Luke 23:13, 18. With the entrance of the Roman authorities, what critical shift occurs in the role of the people (compare Luke 19:47-48, 20:19, 21:38, 22:2)? How would you explain this baffling dynamic? What lessons can we learn about our own culture’s social dynamics, mob culture, & political allegiances?

6. Throughout Luke’s gospel, we’ve seen the consistent categories of religious leaders, people/crowds, and disciples. In chpt 23, the disciples are glaringly absent and silent. What role does their silence play?

7. Jesus Barabbas was in prison for killing someone during a riot (v25). Considering our current national climate, how do you respond emotionally to this character? To the crowd’s insistence that he be released?

1. Read Luke 22:3-6 and 22:54-57. Compare the betrayal of these two men.

2. With which man do you identify? (No judgment!)

3. Read Luke 22:22-23. Why would the other disciples discuss who would betray Jesus?

4. In this week’s message, Zach encouraged four choices - commitment, listening to Jesus (the Word), awareness about Satan and your fleshly desires, and repentance. Did any of these resonate with you?

5. How has the COVID19 pandemic created opportunities for both failure and spiritual growth?

1. In his sermon this morning, Robb spoke about two common unhealthy responses to COVID-19 stressors - “giving up” on the disciplines of daily life, or “giving in” to fear and anxiety. Which of these do you see more in your circles? In your own life?

2. Read Luke 21:8-19. These ‘unsigns’ bear witness, not to the end, but to the current brokenness of the world. What instructions or exhortations does Jesus give us in these verses? How do they relate to us during the COVID-19 era?

3. Compare and contrast Luke 21:20-24 with vv25-28. What key event does each section foretell? What sign[s] accompany each event? Why do you think Jesus spoke to these two events, when the disciples seemed to only ask about one (v7)?

4. Read Luke 21:29-33. The parable of the fig tree corresponds to the prophecy in vv 20-24. Luke’s gospel was almost certainly written and circulated before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70, and there are substantial traditions from the early church that Jerusalem Christians successfully escaped that terrible event, fleeing the city when they saw “Jerusalem surrounded by armies.” Some believe these words were fulfilled at that time, while others believe a more complete fulfillment is yet to come. Either way, what value is there for us in knowing Jesus spoke these words, if we ourselves will likely never need to flee Jerusalem?

5. Read Luke 21:34-36 and Matthew 24:42-44. This second parable of the trap/thief corresponds to the prophecy in Luke 21:25-28. How is the application different from the parable of the fig tree? What does it mean for us to ‘stay awake’?

1. When have you been blessed by someone else’s exercise of authority? When have you seen authority misused or abused? Contrast these experiences aloud with your group. What makes for good or bad uses of authority?

2. Read Luke 20:1-8. Why is Jesus’ question difficult for his opponents? What does it reveal about the way they understand authority?

3. Read Luke 20:9-18. When the villains in the story are brought to justice, how do the religious leaders respond (v16)? Why would anyone protest justice being served to murderous villains in a make-believe story!? What was Jesus revealing about the religious leaders’ own authority?

4. In Luke 20:42-43. Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1. This Old Testament passage is quoted more often in the New Testament than any other scripture, revealing its great importance. How would you answer the question Jesus asks in v44? And how is it that this passage finds fulfillment in Jesus? (For help, see Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2:32-35)

5. Jesus warned his disciples against the scribes’ example of leveraging authority for self-serving gain (Luke 20:45-47), and instead set an example of leveraging authority in self-sacrificial servanthood (Luke 22:25-27). In the heightened tensions of this COVID-19 era, how might we be tempted to make grabs for authority or serve ourselves rather than others? What specific choices can we make to follow Jesus’ way of sacrificial love instead?

Luke 19:1-10

1.       What are some of the ways that the blind beggar (right before Zacchaeus) and Zacchaeus and himself could have justified feeling totally unworthy of Jesus’ attention?  What are some of the things you would use to justify why you don’t think you are worthy of Jesus’ attention today?

2.       What are some of the ways that the bling beggar and Zacchaeus had to overcome obstacles in order to meet Jesus?  What obstacles are you experiencing today in trying to meet Jesus?

3.       The story about Zacchaeus, the story of the blind beggar, and the parable of the minas all talk about stewardship of God’s resources as an act of worship stemming from God’s acceptance of us in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.  One of the most interesting components of this story is the servant who chose not to invest.  Why do you think this mina was taken from him?  What do you think his lack of investment of the mina communicated about his view of the nobleman?  Was the nobleman actually a harsh master?  Does his giving of cities communicate that he is harsh?  How do you see our relationship with God?  Do you view him as harsh and cruelly judging the investment of our stewardship or do you see him as generously rewarding and celebrating our choice to love and trust him?

1. When you go to God in prayer, what are your most common habits of thought and emotion? What might they tell you about how you relate to God?

2. Read Luke 18:9-14. This parable contrasts two strategies for justification. What were the 3 contrasts mentioned in the sermon today? Are there any other contrasts you see?

3. In Philip Eveson’s essay on the doctrine of justification, he introduces justification as a grace given to “guilty sinners, who turn in self-despairing trust.” What is meant by ‘self-despairing trust’? How does the tax collector embody it? What would it look like for someone in our day?

4. Everyone struggles with self-righteousness to some degree. Review the ‘diagnostic questions’ from the sermon. Which question is most helpful to you in identifying your own tendencies toward self justification?

   • Do you have a tendency to look down on others with a critical eye?

   • Does your sense of personal goodness, acceptability, and self worth rise and fall according to how well you think you are performing?

   • When you think about your ‘righteousness bank account’, are you worn out from trying to make deposits to keep it (hopefully) in the black, or are you resting in the finished work of Jesus’ merciful atonement?

5. End your time in celebration of God’s merciful atonement for sinners. Review this list of verses on justification (or another list of your choosing). Speak verses to one another and to the Lord by ‘personalizing’ the address. For instance:

   • “Joe, Phil 3:9 says you are ‘found in Him, not having a righteousness of your own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, a righteousness from God that depends on faith.”

   • “Katie, just like Abraham, you have believed the Lord, and he has counted it to you as righteousness (Gen 15:6)!”

   • “Lord, you yourself bore our sins in your body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By your wounds, we have been healed. Thank you! (1 Peter 2:24)

1. Have you ever been in a relationship where forgiveness was not pursued or extended? What is it that makes forgiveness difficult at times?

2. Read Luke 17:1-4. Why does Jesus place so much emphasis on the issue of sin/repentance/forgiveness?

3. Read Luke 17:5-6. Why do the disciples respond as they do in v5? What is the implication of Jesus’ reply in v6? In what way is forgiveness an exercise of faith?

4. Read Luke 17:7-10. Jesus uses the lowliest term for a servant, a Greek term more often translated as ‘slave.’ What does it mean to be a slave of Jesus, and what does it have to do with forgiveness?

5. How can we give priority to the work of forgiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic? What is one step you can take to be a conduit of Jesus’ grace and forgiveness this week? Spend some time praying for one another.

Happy Easter! He is risen!

1. What about ‘normal life’ are you missing most during this COVID-19 lock down? How do you find joy in the midst of this crisis (or any crisis)?

2. Read Luke 15:1-7. To whom does Jesus direct his parable? Why did he tell it to them?

3. Peruse Luke 15:8-32. Here, Jesus tells two more parables that mirror the first one about the sheep & the shepherd. Which words from the first parable are repeated over and over in the other parables? In what way[s] do the parables differ/progress? What do these details tell us about what Jesus is trying to communicate?

4. Read Luke 15:17-20, 25-30. Describe in your own words the action of each son toward his father. How does his father respond to each? What do these interactions tell us about the heart of God?

5. In his sermon, Robb focused mainly on the relationship between the father and the younger son. What is the role of the older son, in light of Jesus’ audience (v1-2)? What message/application might the Lord have today for those of us who have been part of the ‘religious insider’ group for some time?

6. Today is a day to worship and celebrate. Take time to sing, pray, feast and enjoy the Father’s heart of love toward you. Respond wholeheartedly to his love by drawing near to him in JOY.