Dear leader,
Thank you so much for being available to facilitate your Life Group! We hope that this new resource page will be a help to you as you lead.
As always, please take time to snap a photo of your group before you part ways and – post it on our Facebook Page. If you have a story to tell about how God moved in your group, please share that as well. It is a source of blessing for many.
Thank you, and thank you for your dedication to creating solid community in our church.
- PD
GRACE FOR ALL
Our theme has been about God’s amazing grace. We have said in the beginning of the series that, “Grace is the space God provides to turn sinners into saints.” It is a lavish expression of God’s love for all humanity.
FOCAL POINT: The Grace of God is INCLUSIVE in its invitation, but it is EXCLUSIVE in it’s application.
OPEN DISCUSSION: Have you ever felt left out? Take a moment to share a time in your life when you felt uncomfortable in a group of people.
READ: James 2:1-4
Why do people play favorites?
1. Expectations – Maintain an image
2. Insecurity – Protect your turf
3. Fear – Weaknesses exposed
God doesn’t play favorites!
The Grace of God is INCLUSIVE in its Invitation
Don’t let Appearance Deceive You
Don’t let Feelings Distract You
Don’t let the Past Define You
It means that everyone has hope in Christ! So we can’t judge a person before they receive the Grace of God.
God’s grace is freely offered to all and we feel this grace in many ways. It seems that God is accommodating our current lifestyle and choices. But the Grace of God has a definite, exclusive purpose.
The Grace of God is EXCLUSIVE in its Application
While we feel the grace of God through His kindness, forbearance and patience, it’s purpose is to bring us to repentance. We need to receive that Grace by believing in Jesus Christ.
The full benefits of Grace are only available when you believe! I don’t need to believe to know that the Grace of God exists. But I need to believe in Jesus Christ in order to apply its benefits to my life.
(Don’t be a Costco Believer!)
- You know where it is
- You know what it does
- You recommend it to others
- But you don’t take it home!
The problem with a Costco believer is that they prevent others from experiencing the grace of God because they only have a sample and not the full package!
That’s why the church is vulnerable to favoritism.
How do we apply the Grace of God?
- Declare your Allegiance
- Surrender your Reliance