LG Discussion Points May 20th 2012 3.5 (editing enabled copy)
I’d Be A Christian Part 5 Message Outline (PDF COPY)
Watch the INATTENTIONAL BLINDNESS video here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6qgoM89ekM
Do you know that the title Good Samaritan has been adopted by culture to the point that it does not necessarily describe a Christian anymore? It could refer to an atheist or an agnostic who is perceived to be generous and philanthropic. Given that in the parable that Jesus told, it didn’t refer to the priest nor the Levite, then that seems to be sensible. Yet, is there a way for Christians to kind of own the title again as far as our community is concerned? Let’s talk about it this week in our Life Groups here at CMCC.
Part 5 – I’d Be a Christian If… Christians will be Good Samaritans
Sunday May 20th, 2012 – Pastor Edmund Lucido
May 21st to 27th 2012
But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands. Isaiah 32:8 NIV
Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:36-37 NIV
COME & belong
ICE BREAKER – Please ask a member of your group to come up with an icebreaker
1) Please fill in the following blanks as we break down the parable of The Good Samaritan…
a) Opened his _______and then his ________.
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Luke 10:33 NIV
b) He did what he ___________________.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Luke 10:34a NIV
c) He used what he ____________.
Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.
Luke 10:34b NIV
d) He gave a fair amount of what he ___________________.
The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said … Luke 10:35a NIV
e) He made a ______________ to be back.
‘And when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
Luke 10:35b NIV
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37 NIV
2) Nobility can be defined as being magnanimous or generous. Being noble is also associated with a lofty and elevated position in society. So the characteristic of being noble can be defined as recognizing that we have right-standing with Christ (position) as we assist others in a generous manner. How would you define Nobility or being noble?
3) The concept of INATTENTIONAL BLINDNESS was mentioned during the message. Try to watch as a group the YouTube video on this topic using this link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo or this newer link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6qgoM89ekM. What reasons or factors can explain why Christians tend to shy away from community meetings, school councils and volunteer groups? Do you think there is some sort of inattentional blindness among Christians in this issue? What could be the focus of their attention?
THRIVE & become more like Jesus
4) Read and discuss John 4:7-9. This demonstrates the biases that exist even towards Christians in our day. Is the fact that principals of elementary schools would not meet Pastor Edmund solely because of how Christians have not measured up to their standards, or are there biases and agendas in place to keep God out of schools? Could it be both and how do we avoid pigeonholing issues being slanted one way or the other unduly?
5) One question that we can ask to check if our church is engaging culture is this- “if your church vanishes, will your community ever notice?” How would you answer this with regards to CMCC? What can we do to better impact our community?
6) Something to think about on a personal level, if you move to a new place, will your neighbor and immediate community miss you? Review your current personal activities and schedule. Share an area where you can possibly engage culture in the next few months?
GO & serve like Jesus through prayer & Action
PRAYER POINT – the Arrigo family who are facing a difficult time with their 1 year old who was found without vital signs. Please pray restoration for not only the little one but all the family members.
Suggested Bible Reading Plan This Week
Day 1: Isaiah 32:5-8 Day 2: Luke 10:25-38 Day 3: Acts 10: 36-38
Day 4: Ephesians 2:8-10 Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16
ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 9- Car wash for Muscular Dystrophy @ RCSS Argentia & Ground clean-up for Northwood Public School in Brampton.
June 16- Rolling Park clean up (along Tenth Line from Argentia to Thomas St.) & free movie showing of Courageous/food drive for ECFB here @ CMCC
June 23- Mural Painting @ Applewood Public School (FULL) & Landscaping @ Peel Family Shelter
June 30- Free family portrait -kids with special needs