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CANDLES IN THE WINDOWS

Again, this Advent Season, we will adorn our beautiful church building with candles in every window. The candles will be “lit” for the first time on Sunday, December 1st, and remain lit until the end of the Advent Season.

If you wish to sponsor one or more candles in memory or in honor of someone, at $15.00 each, please fill out the form below

“Everybody Tell Somebody

Individual or Small Group Study Guide

Week 5 “Tell Somebody with A Life of Love” 

John 3:11-20

OPENING PRAYER:

God of love, we gather today to close our discussion on sharing your word with others, but not to close the way your word impacts our action. You long for us to be living witnesses to your compassion. Bless us in our conversation today that we might be transformed into your hands and feet for all those whose paths cross with ours. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Quote: "Loving our enemies is … an act of profound hope and a declaration that violence and hate will not have the final word. It is an act that transforms both the lover and the beloved. As Christians, we are called to practice this kind of love, even in the face of our own fears and doubts, and even when it seems impossible. For in loving our enemies, we participate in the ongoing work of God's kingdom, and we bring a little bit of heaven to earth." – Rebecca Todd Peters

STARTER QUESTIONS:

If you could have a superpower that would make it easier to love difficult people, what would it be and why? 

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD: 

Read: Luke 6:32-38

1. What does Jesus mean when he says if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? How does this challenge our normal way of thinking about love and relationships? 

2. What reasons does Jesus give or can you think of that we should “love our enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return?”

3. How does this passage relate to evangelism and sharing your faith?

NEXT STEPS:

1. When you decide to help others, what is the reason? Are there ever times you  decide not to help others? What factors go into your decision? 

2. Where do you see a need for God’s love, mercy, and provision beyond the people who you are already in good relationship with (i.e., beyond the people who already love you, do good to you, or you know will ‘pay you back’ in kind)? 

3. What is one practical or concrete thing you can do this week to “love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return?” 

CLOSING PRAYER:

God, you are a God who sees need all around. May we be a people who can be your hands and feet to meet needs where we see need arise. Scripture says that you are love; this week, may we also strive to be full of your light and love so that others might see and know it in the midst of troubled times. Amen.