Rethink Tradition 06 May 18

(Message 5) We all make quick judgments about other people. Whether it’s part of our tradition or unintentional, prejudice can keep us from fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. Let’s rethink tradition, drop our wrong ideas, and rethink church! #rethinkchurch

“Reasons” to NOT share Christ:

Rejection
Redundancy
Inability
Prejudice

It is more important to love others than it is to be right.

Scripture used: Acts 10:1-22; Acts 10:28, 34, 35; Matthew 5:10-12; Acts 10:36-41; John 13:35

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What is your favorite family tradition? What traditions have carried over into the next generation?
How do you label yourself? What category would you fall into? (e.g. North, South, liberal, conservative, Millennial, Boomer, hipster, thug, parent, retired, educated, redneck, beach bum, etc). Why?
What does the word “profiling” mean to you?
- Discuss the following definition from Merriam Webster: “the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies – consumer profiling; specifically: the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior “
- Have you or someone you know ever been profiled/labeled unjustly?
- How did you/they react?
Have you ever profiled/labeled people? Why? Did it produce a positive or negative end?
What are some common evangelical Christian prejudices?
- Do you agree that it is your job as a Christian to share Christ with everyone?
- What are some of the culturally different groups in Brunswick Co. that the Lord might want us to reach?
What is the main mindset or thought process that is getting in the way of you sharing Christ? Discuss the points from the message. Share some examples of when these specific points have hindered you from sharing Christ and read the Scripture listed to encourage you to press on!
1. rejection (Matthew 5:10-12)
2. redundancy (Galatians 6:9; Matthew 18:12-13)
  - How many times (for how many years) did you hear the gospel message before you actually took the step of faith and began your relationship with God?
  - If you’ve had the privilege of leading someone to the Lord, how many times did you have to share the gospel message with them?
3. inability (1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Mark 5:19)
4. prejudice (James 2:1-4, John 13:34-35, Matthew 22:37-39).
5. What other reasons can you think of?
Do you agree that the message is more important than the method? Explain your answer. What method/tradition are you having a hard time letting go of? Are you willing to let go in order to win others to Christ? Discuss this with your group.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Day 1: Acts 10:1-8

Day 2: Acts 10:9-23a

Day 3: Acts 10:23b-48

Day 4: Acts 11:1-18

Day 5: Acts 11:19-30

Day 6: Acts 12:1-19a

Day 7: Acts 12:19b-25

DIGGING DEEPER:

Read Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV)

v.26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,

v.27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

v.28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

v.29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Author: Paul

Background: Paul went on many missionary journeys and preached salvation by faith in Christ alone and several churches were started in Galatia. After Paul left, false teachers started teaching that salvation was by faith in Christ, plus keeping the Jewish Law.

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Context: The recipients of Paul’s letter in Galatia are geographically elusive. While we know that the region of Galatia was located in north-central Asia Minor, its expansiveness and Paul’s lack of specificity means we cannot identify precisely where within Galatia had convinced gentile members of the church that true believers in Christ must follow the Jewish Law in its entirety. Paul was alerted to this development and his letter outlines quite angrily his opposition to gentile adherence to the Jewish law, specifically the practice of circumcision. Paul’s letter reveals the difficulty in negotiating the relationship between being a Jew or Gentile and simultaneously being a follower of Jesus. Furthermore, Paul’s introductory remarks suggest that the circumcision party has challenged his apostolic authority.

Adapted from “Historical Context for Galatians by Paul” by Todd Berzon, Department of Religion, Columbia University

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1, 2, 3’s

Step 1 – Observation: What does the passage say?

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v.27______________________________________________________________________________________________

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v.29______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Step Two – Interpretation: What does it mean?