July 7, 2024 - Family Matters

Scripture Passage:  1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Opening

 Once you have settled in, connected, shared refreshments, etc., consider these questions together.

Questions

1) Can you imagine being in a new church made up of people from different religions who were suddenly all convinced that Jesus is the son of God? Imagine that you are one of these people. How would this be different from our church? How might it be similar?

2) Paul uses family archetypes to describe the family of Christ. Using Paul's definitions of these roles and not our contemporary ones, can you think of a specific example of being called upon to be a spiritual child to someone? A mother? Father? Sibbling? Which role do you feel you fit into the most? Which one might you feel challenged to step into?

3) Reflect on Matt 12:46-50 in light of today's passage and sermon. What are your thoughts? Can you think of other passages that carry this theme?

4) What word, phrase or feeling stands out for you from the text (1Thess2:1-12)? You might want to write this down and reflect on it in prayer over the week.

5) As you think of this sermon and the discussion you've been having, take a moment to listen quietly to your own spirit. What thoughts or feelings do you have? Do you have specific questions, worries, or ideas? How might you pray about them? What else might you do?

Closing

Close in prayer.  Schedule your next time to gather.