Locations & Times

Have you ever thought about how being thankful and loving can change your life? In our fourth week of Death to Religion, Jim explores the power of God's grace and following Him. He talks about the Last Supper and Jesus’ key rules: love God completely and love others as you love yourself. Jim shows why these two loves are so important in our beliefs. He stresses the need to live by these teachings as we wait for Jesus' return, sharing his own experiences and work helping others. This message encourages us to help and care for those in need, showing our love for God through how we treat others.

SETLIST 

"Goodness Of God" Available on "Victory" from Bethel Music

"From Now On" Written by Sydney Peterson, Ryan Peterson, and Nate Manning

"Reign Above It All" Available on "Revival's In The Air (LIVE)" from Bethel Music & Paul McClure

GROUP QUESTIONS

Death to Religion Part 4
Jim Burgen

March 24th, 2024

// Bible References
Matthew 7:2, 22:35-40; 23:44; 25:31-46; John 13:34; 1 John 4:20;

// Community Question: What does gratitude look like? How does someone act when they are grateful?

// Discussion Questions

1. Jim emphasized that loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves are the two foundational commandments of the entire Bible. How can we practice in our daily lives loving God and loving our neighbor as ourself? What specific actions can you take to show love to God and your neighbors this week?
2. Read Matthew 22:35-40,7:2; John 13:34. Jesus explains the importance of these commandments as the basis for all other teachings. Why do you think Jesus mentioned that everything else in the Bible falls apart if we don't practice the commandments of loving God and loving others? Can you think of any biblical teachings that would be difficult to apply without first practicing these two commandments?
3. Read 1 John 4:20. John states that if someone claims to love God but hates their brother, they are lying about their love for God. Why is loving God inseparable from loving our neighbor? In what ways can hatred and bitterness towards someone else affect our relationship with God?
4. Jesus's stories serve as both a warning and a source of hope, encouraging followers to be ready and live according to His teachings. How can we stay hopeful for Jesus' return during difficult times? What steps can you take to maintain your faith and hope, even when faced with trials and tribulations?
5. Jim shared a story from our partner A.I.M. (Agape International Mission) about combating child sex trafficking by rescuing girls from brothels. How does this demonstrate the transformative power of living out Jesus’ command to love one another? What are some ways you or your small group can get involved in making a difference in your community or the world, inspired by these examples?
   

// Challenge: In preparation for celebrating God’s forgiveness of us through Jesus, is there someone you need to forgive? Or is there something that you feel God is asking you to get involved with that will make a difference in your community/world? Share with the group, and then spend time in group prayer asking for strength or clarity to follow God’s prompting.