The week after Easter + Spring Break = a small crowd!
But we had a great night! We’re in between series, so we focussed in on a response to Easter. Now what? We’ve celebrated Jesus’ resurrection – now what? Do we just go back to normal, or should something be different?
We opened up with a couple songs: “Happy Day” by Fee and “Desire” by Phil Wickham – celebration songs!
Then we watched a Nooma (these are phenomenal resources by a phenomenal thinker, Rob Bell).
We watched You – all about the now what of Easter.
After watching, we discussed – we stayed in one large group - I would share a quote from the film, and ask a question. People shared their thoughts with the group and then we’d keep going. It was great to hear so many thoughts and in general to have thoughts provoked. Here is the stuff we worked through – most of which came from the booklet that comes with the Nooma…
“In the first century, to claim that your god had risen from the dead and ascended to heaven, well, it just wasn’t that unique. The claims of these first Christians weren’t really anything new. Everybody’s god had risen from the dead. What makes yours so special?”
Q: Have you ever thought about what makes your faith special?
Q: Why was the act of Jesus actually rising from the dead so important?
“These first Christians believed that Jesus’ resurrection had implications for the entire universe. Their tradition had taught them that the world is broken and desperately in need of repair and that at some point in the future, God was going to put it all back together. For them, this future restoration had nothing to do with leaving this world [heaven]; it was all about the restoration, the renewing and the reclaiming of this world. [now]”
Q: How do we know that those early Christians really believed this?
Q: Why do you think much of current day Christianity is so caught up on the “one day” of heaven instead of the “now” work of restoring/renewing/reclaiming this world?
Read Acts 1:3-11 (MSG)
“The early Christians saw in Jesus’ resurrection the beginning of this universe-wide movement to put it all back together.”
Q: Do you have the sense that you’re a part of that same movement today? Why or why not?
“Some people are fierce with reality, aren’t they? They don’t have to spout off about how they’re right and everybody else is wrong because there is something going on inside them that is so powerful, so tangible. You can’t help but ask them questions; you’re dying to know why they are the way they are. You want them to explain the reason for the hope that’s within them. It’s because when you’re around people like this you have this sense that you’ve in some way been with Jesus.”
Q: Do you know anyone like that – describe them.
Q: Are you that kind of person yourself? If not, what holds you back?
“This has a deeply personal dimension to it. Jesus is saving ME, he’s saving ME from MY sins, from MY mistakes, from MY pride, from MY indifference to the suffering of the world around me, from MY cynicism and despair. The brokenness I see in the world around me is true of MY own soul.”
Q: What are some of the words you would use to describe the implications of Jesus’ resurrection on YOUR life?
“We all fall short, and that’s the beautiful part. Broken, flawed, vulnerable people like you and me, are invited to be the hands and feet of a Jesus who loves us exactly as we are and yet, loves us way too much to let us stay that way.” (Romans 3:23 also)
Q: Throw out some words that describe how it feels to believe this truth.
Q: If we’re loved exactly as we are, then what is our motivation for change?
“If people only had your life (as the only example to look at) and they were asked the question, ‘Has Jesus risen from the dead?’ how would they answer?”
Q: If they saw only how you spend your time, how you spend your money, what you love, who you love, do you think they would see that Jesus has risen from the dead?
Q: are you a living Gospel? (we often say, “You’re the only bible some people will ever read.”) Do we take this assignment seriously?
I shared that IF we did, truly become the Gospel, be the proof of a living Christ, then it would change everything – our entire community would be affected. We sang “God of this City” by Tomlin in response. And then closed the night with “Song of Hope” by Robbie Seay Band. These lyrics were so very appropriate…
I will Sing a song of hope, sing along
God of Heaven come down , heaven come down
Just to know you and be loved is enough
God of Heaven come down , heaven come down
It was a great night. Here is our current prayer request list. (Anyone can ask for prayer, just let me know! You can talk to me or drop one of our prayer request cards in the worship space Drop Boxes.)
:: Holly Stockburger will be undergoing aggressive chemo treatment for a while – pray she finds a balance in work and rest!
:: Eric and Tina are expecting their first child! So far, so good. Please keep everyone’s health in your prayers. We’re 28 weeks!
:: Pray for Christa and her sons
:: Andrea & Tony S, Amanda B and Randall F are all looking for new jobs – pray God will open up the right opportunities.
:: Pray for the family and friends of Sam Dills (he passed away last week)
:: Pray for Syd Kiser’s sister (Ellen) as she fights Breast Cancer. And pray for Syd’s health.
:: Pray for Jackie A as she wrestles with life – pray that she can find hope and healing and peace along the way.
:: Pray for Lyn K as she struggles with pain and the side effects of cancer treatments. Also pray for her Niece, a 17 year old with some weird gastrointestinal stuff happening – she’s in the hospital and they’re running tests.
:: Pray for Amanda B’s mom who is in rehab, but really struggling with more than just her physical recovery – lately things seem to be getting better – pray that continues!
