[Sunday] Matthew 28:19 - Richer

Moving past a fearful view of evangelism, the richer meaning of the Great Commission is found in Christ's established authority, which turns our lives into a confident declaration of His victory.

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Questions for the Week: Together: Matthew 28:18-20

1. Jesus calls us to go make disciples?  How are you part of this mission? Do you find it scary at times? 

2. Read Matthew 28:17-20.  The mission starts with Christ's victory: "All authority... has been given to me." How does knowing that Jesus already has all authority and victory change the way we view our personal challenges, fears, or the mission of sharing our faith? Does it make the Great Commission feel less scary?

3. The sermon emphasized that the "teaching" component is about Jesus' love for you and  loving people (the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12), not just mastering doctrine. How does this focus change how you approach teaching your faith to others?

4. The Church has a history of making disciples.  The sermon used the history of LCMS education in the south.  What are specific ways we can be "ambassadors of Jesus" or embody His victory and teachings in our specific community, school, or workplace this week?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Genesis 1:1-2 - Richer

The richer truth of Genesis 1 is that God's creation was a deliberate, harmonious song that continues, through Christ, to restore the dissonance of our chaotic world.

Here is a video to dive deeper into Genesis chapter 1

How is our interpretation of the creation story in Genesis 1 deepened when we consider its ancient historical and cultural context? In this Bible commentary video, we look at how the literary design of Genesis 1 reveals God’s ideal vision for the whole cosmos.

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Questions for the Week: Together: Genesis 1:1-2

1. The sermon emphasized that we were created with a beautiful song, out of love and intention. How does believing you were "sung into existence" change the way you see yourself or your worth compared to believing you are the result of chance or accident?

2. Read Genesis 1 - 2:3.  Genesis 1 starts with God bringing order out of chaos (tohu va-vohu). What are some areas of chaos or darkness in our family's life, or the wider world, where we need God's "song" (His voice, grace, or order) to bring light and rest?

3. God kept declaring His creation was "good" (and humans "very good"). When is it easiest for you to believe God's declaration that you are "Goooooood", and what makes it hardest to believe that about yourself or others?

4. If our lives are meant to be a part of God's perfect creation "song," what does it look like when we choose to create dissonance (by choosing our own way, like Adam and Eve)? What's one practical way we can intentionally choose harmony (forgiveness, kindness, order) this week?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Richer: Finding Meaning in our Favorite Verse (Teaching Series)

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There are many Bible verses that are so loved by the church. Over the centuries, these verses have been encouraging and equipping the church in its walking with the Lord. So let's dive deep into these beloved verses to gain an even richer love and understanding.

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Reading Plan

• October 12th 25’
  Gen 1 In the begging God created the heavens and the earth

  • Gen 1:1-5, 24 -2:3
    Collisions 3:5-11
    John 2:11-18

• October 19th 25’
  Matthew 28:19 Great Comission

  • Psalm 73:1-8, 23-26
    Acts 1:6-11
    Matthew 28:16-20

• Reading Plan 2022

  • July 3rd 22
    John 3:16

    • John 2-3

  • July 10th 22
    1 Peter 3:15

    • 1 Peter 3

  • July 17th 22
    2 Corinthians 12:9

    • 2 Corinthians 12

[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer

Questions for the week

1. No Questions this week.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer

Questions for the week

1.  Describe a time you felt persecuted or experienced suffering for your faith.  How did you respond to that persecution and suffering?

2. Read 1 Peter 3: 8-22.   What does Peter encourage us to do in the midst of suffering?  Why does he encourage us to do that?

3. Read Daniel 6.  What happens to Daniel in the middle of unjust suffering?   How does Daniel respond?   Why do you think Daniel could respond the way he did?  How does the chapter end?

4. Following the advice of Peter, who is someone you can do good to this week?  

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer

Questions for the week

1. Describe a time that forced you to see the world in a new way.

2. Read John 3:1-21. Who is Nicodemus? Why do you think he is questioning Jesus in this way?

3. How does Jesus respond?  Why does Jesus respond this way?

4. What does this teach you about God and his love for you and the world?

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What Had happened at Grace this week.