Church | Living and Loving in Babylon: Consumer or Contributor? - Part 2

LIVING AND LOVING IN BABYLON <br/>Consumer or Contributor? – Part 2 <br/>Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart <br/>August 27, 2023 <br/><br/>https://www.springcreekchurch.org/#re... #consumer #contributor #living #loving #babylon #paul #marshill <br/><br/>Times have changed. In terms of America’s values and beliefs, we are more like the first century than at any other time in our history. For some, this causes a constant pining for how things used to be and sometimes even a sense of hopelessness. But for others, they experience a sense of anticipation and hopefulness because they remember how the church grew exponentially under these same conditions in the first century. Which posture you assume depends largely on your ability to adapt and change to meet the needs of the present reality. This message will show you how.<br/><br/>CONSUMER OR CONTRIBUTOR? <br/>What lies ahead for us as a church is exciting, uncharted territory. But all of it is fueled by the dream of being God’s church in our city.<br/><br/>DISCUSSION QUESTIONS <br/><br/>1. Read Acts 17.16-33 (about Paul’s visit and message on Mars Hill). Paul’s example is perfect for where we find ourselves today in engaging a culture that doesn’t see truth or God as we do. What stands out to you about this passage? How does it inform how we share our faith today? What was the result of Paul’s preaching (there are three different responses)? <br/><br/>2. Take some time to discuss bounded set versus centered set thinking. In particular, discuss how this plays a role in how we share our faith and how we see those with whom we share our faith. <br/><br/>3. Rob Bell said, “It is when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display.” What needs have you noticed in our community (church, neighborhood, or city) that are being neglected? In what ways can we better serve those needs? Since the need has gotten your attention, what might God be asking you to do to address this need? <br/><br/>4. Learning to listen is one of the hardest lessons many of us learn. But in these changing times, the need to really hear people out, where they’re coming from, what’s been their life experiences, what they believe and why, is absolutely essential in creating relationships of influence. How has listening changed the way you saw a person, situation, or challenge? <br/><br/>5. Creating space for people in our hearts and lives lies at the heart of Biblical Hospitality. This is especially true as it relates to those who are different from us (nationally, ethnically, linguistically, etc.). What has been your experience with people from other parts of the world? What is the general sentiment toward immigrants in America today? How do we reconcile whatever political views we may have with the clear teaching in the Old and New Testaments as to how we’re to treat the stranger among us? <br/><br/>6. Tell your own story, the story of how you came to know Christ briefly and succinctly. Now try to do the same when it comes to telling the Jesus story – who He is – why He came – and what He can do for those who trust in Him.