WEEKLY HOME GROUP GUIDE

Belong
Welcome All of us have been hurt by someone else physically, emotionally, mentally, etc. At times the wound has been so deep that we struggled greatly to forgive the offender. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we have hurt other people too. Jesus words in Matthew 5:21-26 challenges us to initiate the process of seeking to be forgiven by those whom we have offended.

June 24-30, 2012

Become
Family Time What three actions did Jesus say were equal to murder according to his (accurate) interpretation of the Gods word? What do you think murder and these actions have in common? What did God do to communicate to us how significant/important forgiveness and reconciliation are to him (Rom 5:8-11; 2 Cor 5:18-19)? If we dont actively pursue to be reconciled with those whom weve offended, how might that be seen as a poor reflection of our gratitude (or lack there of!) of Gods efforts to insure our reconciliation with him? How do you and others (the offended, the body of Christ, unbelievers, etc) benefit from reconciliation?

Kids Time All of us have been guilty of name-calling others. Make a list of all the bad things that can happen when we call other people hurtful names or make fun of them. Share your list with the group. What are some things we could do to build them up instead? Have you said anything mean or hurtful to another person recently? If your answer is yes, what should we do if we want to honor Jesus instructions to us from this passage? Given that hurtful words tend to have a greater impact on others than kind, helpful words...its important that we go out of our way to say as many kind words to those around us as possible. Make a list of at least ten things you could say to others (i.e. Dad & Mom, your siblings, your teachers, friends, and yes...even your ENEMIES!)

Adult Time Weve all heard the ol saying regarding relationship discord, It takes two to tango! And this is perhaps never more evident than relationship breakdowns amongst family members. Almost without exception, when we fight fire with fire, communication barriers break down as walls of anger, bitterness and resentment go up. Even if we werent the one who fired the first shot, discuss how God can/does work when we initiate the peace process with those whom we are at odds? How might your initiative activate the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the other person? In 2 Cor 5:19, Paul speaks of us being entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. He is primarily referring to us being ambassadors of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his reconciliatory power in our lives as believers. How might un-reconciled relationships with others hinder our ability to be ambassadors of this sacred ministry? It takes great humility to admit our role in a relationship breakdown. What opposite attitude is communicated when we refuse to initiate reconciliation with others? (pride, self-entitlement, etc) Read Psalm 51:16-17 followed by James 4:7. How do these two passages contribute to our appreciation of Jesus admonition in vv. 23-24 of todays passage. Prayer Time Thank God for reconciling us back to him through his Son. Thank him for initiating reconciliation with us even while we were at enmity with him (Rom 5:8, Eph 2:1-9; Titus 3:3-7, etc) Pray for the wisdom and courage to right the wrongs you have done to others!

Beyond
Community Calendar July 4th falls on a Wed this week. Have plans been made yet regarding your HG or CG gathering? Church Calendar We will commission our Spain, Ethiopia, Ukraine, India and Romania short-term trips during service on Sunday, June 24. Please pray for Gods protection and provision as they take the Gospel into the world.

Pantego Bible Church