Responding to Jesus encourages us to prepare, know, and use our gifts for His Kingdom
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
Responding to Jesus is simple, but not always easy.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31
Responding to Jesus brings sacrifice and awareness of suffering, so count the cost and be ready.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6
“For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:19-21
Discussion Questions:
What gifts do you have that you can steward well when responding to Jesus and his dispatch?
Because God first loved you, who can you identify to love more genuinely?
Has the cost of suffering or sacrifice kept you from saying yes when you are dispatched by God?
First Responders - Part 5
Responding to Jesus encourages us to prepare, know, and use our gifts for His Kingdom
October 12, 2022 • Nikki Rodolph • 1 Peter 4:10–11, Mark 12:28–31, 2 Corinthians 1:3–6, 1 Peter 2:19–21
First Responders - Part 12
November 30, 2022 • Justin Nichols • John 13:34–35, 1 John 3:18–24, 1 John 4:7–19, Colossians 3:12–14, Ephesians 4:1–3
Called to love people well, particularly in their difficult moments or seasons. From the grand gestures to granular moments redeemed new creations in Christ, we GET to respond and love well by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit reigning in our lives. John 13:34-35 1 John 3:18-24 1 John 4:7-19 Love through presence the day-to-day, face-to-face relationships, and interactions we have with others Colossians 3:12-14 Ephesians 4:1-3 Ephesians 5:1-2 What does it look like to walk in love? -Saving a life -Letting someone stay at your house -Defending someone who's getting picked on/slandered -Giving someone a generous gift (monetary or otherwise) -Asking for forgiveness for something you did or said -Extending forgiveness for something someone else did or said against you -Praying for someone who's going through something -Asking about someone's day or week (and listening to the response) -Being slow to speak and quick to listen to your spouse/s.o./kids/co-workers -Asking God to give you perspective about and patience for someone who's difficult -…and thousands more... We need to be assertive in looking outward-- SEEING people for real-- and extending the compassion and kindness of Jesus to them. We can do this because we've been adopted into the family of our Almighty God, who now indwells us and empowers us with His grace! ...Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Col. 1:27b) Discussion questions: 1) What does loving people well mean to you? 2) What does responding and loving well look like (from the grand to the granular) practically in your life? List things you think of. 3) As responders of love, to whom in your life do you think you could extend more compassion and kindness? 4) Is there anyone you need to forgive?
First Responder - Part 11
November 23, 2022 • Proverbs 31:8–9, 1 Timothy 2:1–4, 1 Corinthians 16:13–14
What does God desire for all men? “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV) Do you judge the marginalized or lesser among us? Or do you defend the rights of the poor and needy? “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) Do everything in love “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 (NIV) Things to ponder? Do I pass judgment on the homeless? Drug addicted? Mentally ill? If so, why? How can I serve the less fortunate in this current season? What would it look like to be courageous and do everything in love?
First Responders - Part 10
November 16, 2022 • Andy Coulombe • Matthew 13:31–32
“God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” - Mother Teresa “Success” through the teachings of Jesus looks like this: We must simply respond to the movement of GodWe must then continue to listen for the Spirit of GodOur motivation must come from a love for God (and therefore others)It must be directed toward the advancement of the Kingdom of God We are all first responders. Anchor Verse: “Here is another illustration Jesus used: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT) Questions What does “success” look like in the Kingdom of God? Does having this adjusted outlook of success discourage or encourage you to respond?Where have you seen God moving in simple, yet powerful ways?What simple act of love [for God and others] could you do this month? this week? or even today?