January 2021 – Arkana Baptist Church

Ambassadors – Identity Part 3

January 30, 2021/in Sermon /by ABC

For Companion Small Group Material Go To – https://arkanachurch.com/2021/01/30/small-group-discussion-guide-for-january-31-2021/

Small Group Discussion Guide for January 31 2021

January 30, 2021/1 Comment/in Small Group /by ABC

Find the companion teaching here

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Small Group Discussion Guide For the week of January 31, 2021

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Think of the first foreign country that pops into your mind. Now, pretend you are the US ambassador to that country. What would your job description look like? How would you define your role? (do this exercise as an individual or group)
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20. How would you define the “ministry of reconciliation?”
2 Cor. 5:17 says “the old has gone, the new is here!” When you become a follower of Jesus, what were some of the “old” things that left? What were some of the new things that came?
A quote from the sermon, “It is the essence of the modern mind that the universe is meaningless and purposeless.” – W. T. Stace. Do you personally know anyone who is without purpose, or lacks meaning in their life? If so, how might you use this passage to help them?
In 2 Cor. 5:20 the NIV translates the word “implore.” Read that passage in as many versions as you can. What are some other words that are used in the place of “implore?” Paul is communicating a sense of urgency. Why do you think he is doing so?
In your job as “ambassador with a message of reconciliation,” how are you performing? If you were to give yourself an annual review for the past year, how would you grade yourself? How can you improve?

Pray this week – Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a new creation through your work on the cross. Thank you for reconciling me to yourself. Help me to share your message of reconciliation with others who need it. Give me a sense of urgency in sharing your life-giving love with my friends and family. Amen.

Weekly Bible Reading-

Monday: Psalm 96:3;

Tuesday: Romans 1:16;

Wednesday: Philemon 1:6;

Thursday: 1 Peter 3:15;

Friday:John 3:16

The First Sin – Lesson for January 31 2021

January 30, 2021/in Children /by ABC

Parent Guide

Adventure Book

Coloring Sheet

Sinners and Saints – Identity Part Two

January 24, 2021/in Sermon /by ABC

Small Group Discussion Guide for January 24 2021

January 23, 2021/in Small Group /by ABC

Downloadable Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide Google Slides

Arkana Baptist Church

Small Group Discussion Guide For the week of January 24, 2021

Take a moment to talk about what you think of when you hear the words “sinner” and “saint.” What connotations do they have outside of the church, in broader society? What does it mean to call someone these words?
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. In the message this week we talked about how all of humanity are sinners, but only those who accept Jesus are saints. That means we are different from everyone else. How does that play out in your own life? How are you different from those around you?
Can Christians be too different, or overly strange to the world? How so?
When people hear us call ourselves saints, or say that we are sinners “saved by grace,” sometimes it might sound to them like we are bragging about being better than they are. Yet, we are actually saying just the opposite. We are not better, but Jesus IS better. In Hebrews 3:1-6 the writer is trying to convince Jews that Jesus is better(greater) than Moses. What are some things in our world that Jesus is better than? How can we explain to other “sinners” that Jesus is better than what they hold dear?
Read Romans 3:23-24 and Hebrews 10:14. Talk about what it means to be justified (made right before God), and that we are being sanctified (being made holy). What does it mean that we are already but not yet holy?
In light of Philipphians 1:6 how is God “completing” the work he began in you? Please be as specific as possible.

Pray this week – Father, give me the humility that comes with knowing I am a sinner. And help me to live like someone who is blameless before you. Yet, I know that I am still learning what it means to walk with you in holiness. Amen.

Weekly Bible Reading- Monday: Ephesians 2:19; Tuesday: Philippians 2:12-13; Wednesday: Colossians 1:21-22; Thursday: 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; Friday:1 John 1:8-9

For further study:

https://www.brettmccracken.com/blog/2013/06/27/how-are-christians-set-apart

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jesus-is-better/