Unforced Rhythms of Grace
Week 6: I Witness
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” —Luke 9:23 (NIV)
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” —Matthew 10:39 (NIV)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” —Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:8 (NIV)
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. —Revelation 12:11 (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:34–35 (NIV)
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:14 (NIV)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. —2 Corinthians 5:20a (NIV)
The heart of hospitality in a culture of
. “Hospitality is not to change people, but offer them space where change can take place.“ —Henri Nouwen
Our Mission: Create authentic Christ centered communities that love God wholeheartedly and reach out intentionally so that others experience new life in Jesus and a transforming life of discipleship.
The defense of the downtrodden in a world of
. “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” —Isaiah 58:6–9a (NIV)
“His acts of healing were not tent-revival miracles; they were acts of social subversion.” —Rich Villodas, The Deeply Formed Life
The greatest acts of justice to move toward renewal will not be tent revivals but the miracles they will enact in social subversion.
The power of presence in a society of
. “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” —John 12:24 (NIV)
Q- What needs to die in you today so new life can come?
Theme: The Purpose of The Power
Share Together: Who is a person that has come to your aid when you were in need?
Reflect Together: What challenged you the most from Sunday’s message?
Read Together: Acts 1:1-8
Discuss Together:
What is the context of this passage as relating what Jesus commands His disciples to do?
What does Acts 1:8 say about the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers?
How do you interpret the term “witness” in the context of this verse?
Have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your own life? Can you share a specific instance?
What are some ways you can be a witness “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” in today’s context?
In what ways do you feel called to be a witness for Jesus in your current environment?
Are there specific opportunities or missions you can participate in to share the gospel locally and globally?
Share any challenges or fears you have about witnessing and discuss ways to overcome them together.
Pray Together: Spend time in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and guidance in your efforts to witness and share the gospel. As well, as any other prayer needs you have.