Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.
1. This week’s main question for the sermon series is, “Am I known for what I’m for or what I’m against? What do you think this means? How would you answer that for the Church in America today?
2. In this week’s video, Zach Zehnder talks about honey bees. Why did he pick bees as an example? How is he comparing bees to Christians? What do you think about that?
3. Why kind of reputation do you think Christians have with the unchurched population? Why is our reputation important?
4. What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? How should this status impact the way we live and treat others?
5. What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
6. What does Paul expect of us regarding the ministry and message of reconciliation? How is the Church doing with this ministry and message?
7. Pastor Mick shared a verse from the Tauren Wells’ song “Known” in which he sings, “It’s not one or the other. It’s hard truths and ridiculous grace.” Why do you think he shared this verse? How does it relate to the ministry and message of reconciliation?
8. D.L. Moody said, “You may find hundreds of faultfinders among professed Christians, but all of their criticism will never lead one solitary soul to Christ.” What does he mean? How does this relate to reconciliation and what we are for or against?
9. Pastor Mick shared a story about churches struggling with whether they are a “museum for the saints” or a “hospital for sinners.” Which one do you most readily identify? Why do we need both?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, we confess that sometimes we are not the good ambassadors of Christ we are called to be. Sometimes we may even say and do things that give Christians a bad reputation among the unchurched. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Help us extend such grace and forgiveness to those around us, so they know more about what we are for than what we are against. May our words and our actions be always working to reconcile others to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
