Worlds Apart
Why Not Us, Why Not Now? | Week 4
June 23, 2024 | By Ben Chavez
How do you handle deep hurt and resentment? When someone you trust tears you down, it’s easy to harbor anger and refuse to forgive. In this message, Ben Chaves explores a challenging question: "Are we okay with everyone experiencing the same God we desire for ourselves?" Through the story of Peter in Acts 11 and our own struggles, we learn the importance of praying for those who’ve hurt us, even when forgiveness feels impossible. Discover how to navigate this tough journey and strive for peace, acceptance, and love just as Jesus did.
SETLIST
"Glorious Day" by Jason Ingram, Jonathan Smith, Kristian Stanfill, and Sean Curran
"Made For More" by Blake Wiggins, Jessie Early, Jonathan Smith, and Josh Baldwin
"Reign Above It All" by Ethan Hulse, Hannah McClure, Jess Cates, and Paul McClure
"All Hail King Jesus" by Jeremy Riddle, Peter Mattis, Ran Jackson, and Steffany Gretzinger
GROUP QUESTIONS
Why Not Us, Why Not Now?
Ben Chavez
June 23rd, 2024
// Bible References: Acts 11:1-18; Romans 12:18; 15:7; Matt 7:3-5, 22:37-39; Jonah 1:1-3; Eph 2:14-22
// Community Question: Do you agree with the phrase “Forgive and Forget”? Why or why not?
// Discussion Questions
1. Ben shared a personal story about his struggle with forgiveness and explained how crucial it is for us to have a forgiving heart. How can we practice forgiveness in our lives, especially towards those who have hurt us? Who is someone in your life that you are struggling to forgive? What steps can you take to work towards forgiveness?
2. Read Acts 11:1-18 Ben highlighted the significance of Peter's interaction with Cornelius and how it challenged the traditional views of the Jewish people. How can the story of Peter's vision and preaching to Cornelius help us in understanding God's inclusive plan? In what ways have you struggled with acceptance and inclusion? How can you work towards embracing God's inclusive plan in your life?
3. Read Romans 15:7. This passage emphasizes the importance of accepting one another just as Christ has accepted us. What does it mean to create a safe space for people to wrestle with their faith? How can you foster a safe and supportive environment for others to explore their faith in your community or friend group?
4. Read Matthew 22:37-39. Jesus teaches us to love God and our neighbors with actions, not just feelings. Why is biblical love considered an active choice and way of life rather than just an emotion? What are some practical ways you can practice biblical love in your everyday life, particularly towards those you may find challenging to love?
5. Read Jonah 1:1-3. Jonah's story illustrates how we are called to go towards the lost and broken rather than turning away. What can we learn from the story of Jonah about embracing God's call to love and reach out to those we may consider our enemies? How can you apply the lesson from Jonah's story to your life and be more intentional about loving those who you may initially view as an enemy?
// Challenge: Can you commit to taking a step towards forgiveness or biblical acceptance by praying every day for that person or social issues you are struggling to forgive/handle? Be prepared to share next week how this experience affected you.
