
“Real People Encountering the Extraordinary Jesus Who Changes Everything”
“We Risk Everything to Creatively Engage Everyone with the Way of Jesus”
INCLUSION
“We see no one as outside our circle”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. —Acts 10:34-35
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, —2 Corinthians 5:14
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. —2 Peter 3:9
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. —James 2:1 & 8-9
INCLUDING THOSE WITHIN THE CHURCH
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
9 Love must be sincere. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. —Romans 12:1-6, 9-11, 13-16
INCLUDING THOSE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
14 Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that Christ died for all, and therefore all died. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! —2 Corinthians 5:14-16
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:43-48
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” —Mark 2:15-17
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace —Colossians 4:5-6
Share a time where you felt included or not included and what the experience was like.
How do you see the church in general being exclusive?
What do you think we can do at K2 to be more inclusive?