ALL THINGS NEW
WEEK 1 DISCUSSION GUIDE "UNDER"
READ
This week we started a new series titled “All things New.” We began by looking at what Jesus came to do and how that affects the future.
Colossians 1:19-20
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Jesus came as the fullness of God, God in the flesh. Through Jesus, God would reconcile all things. This reconciliation is not just for humanity, but all of God’s creation. Beforesin entered the world, there was order and peace in creation. When sin entered theworld through the rebellion of God’s creation it brought chaos, death and decay.
Ephesians 1:8-10
...With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his willaccording to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment- to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Through Jesus, God is reconciling all things to Him and bringing unity to all things under Christ.
Jesus brought hope to a dying creation. “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossedover from death to life.” (Jn. 5:24). Whoever believes in Jesus, surrenders their life to Him, is saved. Jesus came to bring salvation.
Philippians 2:12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Salvation is both a moment and a continual process. There is a moment when we cross over from death to life and then a process through which we choose to follow Jesus daily and surrender to Him. As we live surrendered to Christ, we are continually transformed to reflect His image.
DISCUSS
What does it mean to be saved?
Think about someone you know who has been a follower of Jesus for a long time. How have you seen them change to reflect the image of Christ more over time?
Think about your own faith journey with Jesus. How have you seen Jesus’ saving work as a continual process in your life?
Have there been times in your life when daily surrender to Jesus has been easier, or more difficult? What has made the difference?
Does knowing that Jesus’ saving work in our lives is a continual process help you to bemore understanding of those who are new to the church?
As a church how can we create the best possible environment for those who are seeking to know Jesus to feel welcomed and loved?
PRAY FOR YOUR GROUP
Pray that we would daily surrender our lives to Jesus. That we would have a vibrant faith in Christ that would be reflected in the way we love others.
PRAY FOR FCC
Pray that we would create the best possible environment for those who are seeking Jesus to feel welcomed and loved. That we would be a light to those in our community, pointing them to Christ.
PRAY FOR OUR GLOBAL PARTNERS
Our global partners in Southeast Asia, Shemah Tours, welcome short-term teams from all over the world. We have been invited to come reach out in friendship to share thelove and good news of Jesus to a group of people unaware of God’s love. Pray that God will strengthen our partners as they continue to reach out to others as well as for those who have received the good news of Jesus. Pray for their vision to see locally led churches grow and multiply as people hear and receive the message of love, hope and grace. Pray that God will continue to open ears to hear and hearts to accept Jesus in a community that is 99% Muslim.