Connect

Describe a memorable time when you volunteered, or were “volunteered” by another to volunteer for a charity or community event? Was it a positive or negative experience? How did it made an impact?

Were you, or someone close to you impacted by some part of the adoption process? Describe the impact.

Engage

Read Matthew 21:28-32
In this passage, Jesus had just made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and was teaching in the temple courts. In verses 29-30, describe the response of each son to their father’s request. Which son did as the father asked?

In verse 31, who is Jesus directing his answer to? What did he say to them? Would this answer be well received by the recipients, or would they have taken offense to what was said? Explain.

Read James 1:19-27
In verse 22, what is James referring to when he talks about the “word?” What is he asking his audience to do with the “word?” Explain why this is an important part of following Christ. In verse 27, who benefits from those that act out their religious beliefs?

Apply

In his message, Jonathan created a modern illustration of the Matthew 21 passage that was read earlier. What were the parts of this illustration that you could relate to the most? Take a few moments to create your own version of this passage. Which one of the characters would you be?

Within the Christian church, there is sometimes confusion about the motivation for doing good deeds. The Bible tells us that there is no need to justify ourselves before God (by doing good deeds or obeying laws) to seek His favor, but to simply have faith in Him. Yet, James urges us to take action in our faith, or our faith is meaningless. These two situations appear to be at odds, or are they? Take some time to discuss how these statements relate to each other. (For extra reading on this subject, consider the following passages: Romans 3:23, Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:1-24)

Jonathan mentioned several opportunities to “walk the walk” during his message. What are some ways that God has used to help you live out your faith or to take action on your convictions? If it has been a while since you’ve exercised your faith, discuss how you might take the next step toward action. Is there something that God has been speaking to you about lately?

Challenge

For those of you in a Life Group, discuss how you might collectively take on a project or get involved in a ministry of the church. For info on how to be involved, text ‘dosomething’ to 97000

Pray together
Take some time to pray together as a group. Consider the orphans and widows, as well as other marginalized members of our community that God call us to look after. Pray that He would make it clear how each of you collectively may hear what He has put on your heart to put into action.