Seeing Clearly

October 13, 2024 • Brad Kenney

Conversation Starters ╬  The two-stage healing of the blind man reflects our own progress toward understanding who Jesus is and the extent of his compassion and provision for his people. Think about your own journey as a follower of Jesus. How do you understand and know Jesus differently now than you did when you first became a Christian? As you think about your own growth as a disciple of Jesus, what words would you use to describe your progression of who you have known him to be—Friend, Savior, Healer, Lord, Shepherd, Suffering Servant, Lamb of God, Risen Christ, Son of God, Righteous Judge, . . . ╬  Think about a time when your vision was obscured by life circumstances. How do you see that situation differently now?

Opening Day

October 6, 2024 • Phil Bremerman

Value

September 29, 2024 • Marc Ragusin

Conversation Starters ╬ Imagine being one of the disciples with Jesus during this encounter with this Syrophoenician woman. She is one who is known to be an enemy of Israel and an enemy of God. The disciples would have expected Jesus to reject her, to use harsh words toward her, and to reject her request for healing of her daughter. The disciples would have approved of Jesus’s words toward her. Then they would have been stunned by Jesus’s response and healing. When have you expected one kind of justice only to be surprised by mercy? When have you witnessed deep faith in God from someone you believed couldn’t possibly understand? How has someone’s unexpected faith challenged and changed you? ╬ The Lord is always inviting us to know him better and to trust him more. Success and blessing or disappointment and loss can be equally valuable to us as our faith and trust grow. How has the Lord deepened your relationship with Jesus? What have been the moments that have undeniably deepened your faith and your trust in God?