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Humility

Children, Servants, Slaves

May 7, 2017 • Jon Paul Dennison

When the disciples ask Jesus "who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven," his response is the opposite of what they expected. He brings a child in their midst to help them see the true picture of humility. All throughout the New Testament, we see countercultural examples of humility, including servants and even slaves. Humility is ultimately a tie that binds the family by helping us receive others by thinking of ourselves as less than them, and more than that, as last.

Additional Scripture References:

Philippians 2:3-7; Matthew 25:23; Matthew 10:24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Revelation 22:3-5; Mark 10:42-44; 1 Corinthians 9:19

Sensibility

May 14, 2017 • Michael McCracken

The family is strengthened because it brings with it a certain sensibility. This sensibility flows from its ability to acquire and live out of a common belief and understanding. The family that comes together around the gospel knows that it is sensible to believe that where two or three are gathered (even in the name of Jesus) there in the midst of them will be an abundance of sin. Finding a new family won’t solve this problem. Additional Scripture References: Luke 17:1; Matthew 26:24; Romans 13:12-14; John 3:20-21; Colossians 2:23; Psalm 51:17; 1 Corinthians 13:7 Study Questions: 1. What things stuck out to you from this text? Is there anything in this text that challenges you? 2. If the body of believers is your family what does this mean for you? How does this change things in your life? 3. What does it mean to have a broken and contrite heart? Have you ever been broken over you?

Pursuit

May 21, 2017 • Michael McCracken

God pursues His people with a tireless love and grace and mercy. This, of course, is made possible because He poured out His wrath on His Son, Jesus. Jesus gives His disciples a beautiful picture of the heart of the Father…THEIR FATHER and how His heart is to be manifested within the context of the family of believers.

Forgiveness

May 28, 2017 • Michael McCracken

The resolve to forgive is perhaps one of the greatest ties that bind a family together for its ability to flourish. In this text Jesus teaches us how to apply the gospel as our great motivation and power towards forgiveness.