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  • Week 6 | Pray Like This | Forgive

    SUMMARY

    In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus tells us to pray “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” He goes on to say that God will forgive us our sins when we forgive others. This challenging teaching needs to consider what sin is and how God’s forgiveness enables us to forgive others. 

    This message holds profound significance for several reasons. Firstly, it challenges our understanding of forgiveness from God's perspective, urging us to confront any misconceptions that may hinder our relationship with Him and restrict our freedom. Often, we carry unnecessary guilt and struggle to extend forgiveness to ourselves, let alone to others, due to a lack of clarity about God's forgiveness.

    Breaking down this verse into two parts, we explore what it truly means to ask for forgiveness of our sins and how we can practically implement forgiveness in our interactions with others. The concept of sin, although archaic to some, offers a profound diagnosis of human nature. It signifies a failure to fulfill a goal, particularly the goal of loving God and others by treating them with the respect they deserve. Our inability to meet these goals results in a separation from God and incurs a debt that needs addressing.

    Historically, forgiveness was sought through sacrificial offerings, symbolizing the transfer of debt to another entity. However, Jesus transformed this narrative by becoming the ultimate sacrifice, absorbing the debt of sin for all humanity through his death on the cross. His act of atonement emphasized God's unconditional love and mercy, not contingent on human performance but on faith in Jesus' sacrifice.

    Furthermore, Jesus challenges us to extend the same forgiveness we receive from God to others. He illustrates this through the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of releasing resentment and extending mercy to those who wrong us. Failure to forgive others not only contradicts the essence of God's forgiveness but also reflects a self-righteous mindset that inhibits genuine reconciliation.

    Through understanding the depth of God's forgiveness towards us, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, enabling us to forgive others freely. Forgiveness becomes an expression of our faith and recognition of God's grace in our lives. As C.S. Lewis aptly stated, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

    Discussion Questions:

    • How does our understanding of forgiveness from God's perspective influence our ability to forgive ourselves and others?

    • In what ways do misconceptions about forgiveness hinder our relationship with God and our freedom?

    • Read Leviticus 4:27-31. What is the significance of this in light of the cross? What parallels can we draw between the sacrificial system of forgiveness in ancient times and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross?

    • Read Matthew 18:21-35. How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge our approach to forgiveness in our daily lives?
    • Why is it essential to recognize forgiveness as an act of the will rather than an impulse of emotions?
    • Reflecting on personal experiences, how has experiencing God's forgiveness impacted your ability to forgive others?
      • 58 min
    • Week 5 | Pray Like This | Daily Bread
      SUMMARY
      This sermon series is considering Jesus’ instructions on prayer- line by line. This week we looked at what it means to pray "Give us this day our daily bread" When Jesus uttered these words, he wasn't merely instructing his disciples to recite a rote prayer; he was inviting them into a deeper understanding of reliance on God for sustenance.
      When we pray “gives us this day our daily bread” We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.
      Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience, referencing a pivotal event in Israel's history: the provision of manna in the wilderness. Through the example of the manna, God taught the Israelites dependence and trust. Similarly, when we pray for our daily bread, we acknowledge our reliance on God's provision and his wisdom in discerning our true needs.
      The prayer also carries a nuanced request: not only do we ask for what we need, but we trust God to deny us what we don't need. This aligns with the wisdom of Proverbs 30, where Agar asks for neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. It's a plea for balance, recognizing that excess can lead to forgetfulness of God and deprivation to desperation.
      Praying for daily bread is an act of surrender, acknowledging God's sovereignty in discerning our needs and trusting his provision. It’s a reminder to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, knowing that all other things will be added unto us. This prayer challenges us to reorient our focus from temporal concerns to eternal truths.
      He is our Father and he gets to determine the difference between our wants and our needs. Just as earthly parents provide for their children's needs, our Heavenly Father knows what we truly require. We may not always receive what we want, but we can trust that God will provide what we need for our spiritual growth and well-being.
      TALK IT OUT
      •Share a personal experience where you felt God's provision in a time of need. How did this experience deepen your trust in God's faithfulness?
      •Read Deuteronomy 8:1-5, and Exodus 16:11-32. How does understanding the historical context of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the significance of manna in the wilderness, deepen your understanding of God's provision in your life today?
      •Reflecting on the concept of daily bread, what are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust God for provision, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual?
      •How does sabbath rest, fasting and tithing have to do with trusting God?
      •Consider the definition of this phrase in the Lord’s prayer “We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.” Which part of that brings you the most comfort and challenge?
      •How can we cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude for what God provides, even when it differs from our desires or expectations?
      •Read Matthew 6:25-34. How does trust and worry relate to one another in this passage? What is the key to worry according to Jesus?
      •Let’s spend some time praying together- in prayer, ask God for daily bread in particular areas of your life. Resist the urge to spend all your time talking together, instead, just talk to God about it. Allow others in the group to agree with you in prayer.
      50 min
    • Week 5 | Pray Like This | Daily Bread
      SUMMARY
      This sermon series is considering Jesus’ instructions on prayer- line by line. This week we looked at what it means to pray "Give us this day our daily bread" When Jesus uttered these words, he wasn't merely instructing his disciples to recite a rote prayer; he was inviting them into a deeper understanding of reliance on God for sustenance.
      When we pray “gives us this day our daily bread” We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.
      Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience, referencing a pivotal event in Israel's history: the provision of manna in the wilderness. Through the example of the manna, God taught the Israelites dependence and trust. Similarly, when we pray for our daily bread, we acknowledge our reliance on God's provision and his wisdom in discerning our true needs.
      The prayer also carries a nuanced request: not only do we ask for what we need, but we trust God to deny us what we don't need. This aligns with the wisdom of Proverbs 30, where Agar asks for neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. It's a plea for balance, recognizing that excess can lead to forgetfulness of God and deprivation to desperation.
      Praying for daily bread is an act of surrender, acknowledging God's sovereignty in discerning our needs and trusting his provision. It’s a reminder to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, knowing that all other things will be added unto us. This prayer challenges us to reorient our focus from temporal concerns to eternal truths.
      He is our Father and he gets to determine the difference between our wants and our needs. Just as earthly parents provide for their children's needs, our Heavenly Father knows what we truly require. We may not always receive what we want, but we can trust that God will provide what we need for our spiritual growth and well-being.
      TALK IT OUT
      •Share a personal experience where you felt God's provision in a time of need. How did this experience deepen your trust in God's faithfulness?
      •Read Deuteronomy 8:1-5, and Exodus 16:11-32. How does understanding the historical context of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the significance of manna in the wilderness, deepen your understanding of God's provision in your life today?
      •Reflecting on the concept of daily bread, what are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust God for provision, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual?
      •How does sabbath rest, fasting and tithing have to do with trusting God?
      •Consider the definition of this phrase in the Lord’s prayer “We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.” Which part of that brings you the most comfort and challenge?
      •How can we cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude for what God provides, even when it differs from our desires or expectations?
      •Read Matthew 6:25-34. How does trust and worry relate to one another in this passage? What is the key to worry according to Jesus?
      •Let’s spend some time praying together- in prayer, ask God for daily bread in particular areas of your life. Resist the urge to spend all your time talking together, instead, just talk to God about it. Allow others in the group to agree with you in prayer.
      50 min
    • Week 4 | Pray Like This | Kingdom and Will
      SUMMARY
      In our ongoing series on prayer, we've been exploring the profound teachings embedded within the Lord's Prayer. This prayer, taught by Jesus to his disciples, serves not only as a set of words to recite but as a profound model for how we should engage in prayer.
      Prayer, for many, is a complex and sometimes bewildering practice. That's why Jesus didn't leave it up to chance or individual interpretation. He provided clear instructions on how to pray authentically and effectively. In Matthew 6:5-13, we find guidance on avoiding the pitfalls of prayer, such as seeking attention or using empty words, and instead, connecting with God in a genuine and meaningful way.
      What's truly remarkable is that Jesus, when asked by his disciples how to pray, didn't hesitate to teach them. This reassurance means that prayer isn't reserved for spiritual elites but is accessible to all who seek communion with God. Jesus elucidates the wrong way to pray, not just focusing on the words uttered but on the disposition of the heart. It's about sincerity, authenticity, and a genuine connection with the divine.
      Central to this teaching is the phrase "Our Father." This invocation signifies a shift in perspective, inviting us to approach God not as a distant deity but as a loving parent. This relational aspect of prayer diminishes anxiety and fosters a sense of safety, allowing us to share our deepest thoughts and struggles with God.
      Moving forward in the prayer, we encounter the petition "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This request is not merely about asking for God's intervention but about ushering in a revolution in our hearts and in the world around us. It's a plea for alignment with God's desires, for his values to shape our lives and the world we inhabit.
      The concept of the kingdom of God, often misunderstood as a physical place, is clarified as the reign and authority of God in our lives. It's about submitting our will to his, allowing his values and principles to guide our thoughts, actions, and relationships. This internal transformation leads to external manifestations of God's kingdom, as seen in our interactions with others and our impact on the world.
      Prayer becomes a sacred space where we surrender our will to God's, where we invite him to mold and shape us according to his purposes. Through this process, we not only align ourselves with God's kingdom but become agents of its manifestation in the world. So as we pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done," we are actively participating in God's redemptive work, one heart at a time.
      TALK IT OUT
      1. How has your understanding of prayer evolved through this series on the Lord's Prayer?
      2. Pastor Scott said that the format of the Lord’s prayer starts with YOU YOU YOU, and then US US US. Why do you think that order of the Lord’s prayer and helpful? How does it help us frame things properly in prayer?
      3. Read Matthew 5:3-12. Jesus is describing the kingdom of God. How does God’s kingdom compare with the kingdom of the world?
      4. Break into smaller groups, and assign each group one of the following passages. After they’ve read the passage, have them report to the larger group how the passage describes an aspect of God’s Kingdom. Put it in your own words!
      a. Matthew 5:13-16
      b. Matthew 5:21-26
      c. Matthew 5:27-30
      d. Matthew 5:31-37
      e. Matthew 5:38-48
      f. Matthew 6:1-4
      5. After doing the previous exercise, discuss this question together; In what ways does the concept of God's kingdom challenge societal norms and cultural expectations? How does it redefine our understanding of power and authority?
      6. Share examples of how you've experienced the tension between living according to the values of God's kingdom versus the values of the world. How do you navigate this tension in your daily life?
      7. Share with the group; what is one area in your life and spiritual walk, that you’d want to pray “God YOUR will and YOUR kingdom come”?
      42 min
    • Week 3 | Pray Like This | Hallowed

      SUMMARY

      Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 on prayer show us that prayer is something that can be taught and it's something that can be learned. Which means that it can be done the right way and it can be done the wrong way. When Jesus teaches us to pray- he shows us that our prayers are not supposed to be a memorized mantra, but is a model for us to follow. 

      When approaching the Father in prayer, Jesus also says that we are to “hallow” the name of God.

      To hallow means to make holy, sanctify or honor as holy. So what are we asking when we say God “Hallowed be your name”. What we are saying is “God we want your character and your trait's to be set apart and holy. We want it to be so revered, we want your personhood, your reputation, we want it to be so supremely valued, that it is the most precious and most valuable thing.

      The truth is we all hallow something. It may be wealth or popularity. We can discover what we supremely value (hallow) by answering: 

      1) What do I believe makes me the most valuable or gives me the most worth?

      2) What gets the priority of my time and money and attention. 

      3) Where do you struggle with the most amount of bitterness? 

      4) What do I worry about or what do I pray about the most?

      When we begin our prayers saying “hallowed be your name”. We are not just declaring, we are not just proclaiming, we are petitioning God to take action in our lives so that he is understood as supremely worthwhile.

      TALK IT OUT

      • Read Matthew 6:6-13 together as a group. Today we are studying the phrase “hallowed be your name.” To “hallow” means to make holy, sanctify or honor as holy. It means set apart. 

      •What stood out to you the most from the teaching on the phrase "Hallowed be your name”?

      •Reflecting on your own life, what are some things that you find yourself hallowing or placing supreme value on?

      •How does the concept of hallowing God's name challenge our cultural understanding of value and worth?

      •The message offered some questions that may help you determine what you actually hallow in your life. Discuss these together as a group. 

      1) What do I believe makes me the most valuable or gives me the most worth?

      2) What gets the priority of my time and money and attention. 

      3) Where do you struggle with the most amount of bitterness? 

      4) What do I worry about or what do I pray about the most?

      •The message mentioned that all our anxieties and problems are driven by issues of adoration. How does this idea resonate with your personal experiences?

      •In what practical ways can we hallow God's name in our daily lives, relationships, and interactions?

      •Why is it important to “tune our hearts to sing God’s praises continually?” How can we cultivate a habit of continually hallowing God's name in our lives?

      •Share a personal experience or testimony of a time when you felt challenged to hallow God's name in a specific situation.

      •How can we support and encourage one another in our journey to hallow God's name more fully in our lives?

      51 min
    • Week 2 | Pray Like This | Our Father
      SUMMARY
      Many struggle with prayer due to confusion, perceived lack of necessity, and skepticism about its efficacy. Yet, the Scriptures show that prayer is a teachable and learnable practice, demonstrated by Jesus' instructions to his disciples on prayer.
      Understanding prayer is crucial because it reflects one's view of God. People may approach God as a transactional figure (like a vendor or an employer), a distant authority figure (like a king), or a casual friend, each reflecting a different level of intimacy and reverence. Oftentimes, our view of God shows up when we endure trial or difficulty.
      The fundamental shift in perspective lies in seeing God as a father, as exemplified by Jesus' teaching to address God as "our Father." This relational shift, from a transactional to a familial approach, transforms the nature of prayer. Just as a child's behavior does not determine their status in a family, but rather their adoption, Christians are invited into a similar relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
      Prayer, then, becomes an expression of this familial relationship. Rather than a mechanical exchange or a performance-based interaction, it is rooted in the assurance of being accepted and loved as a child of God.
      The invitation is extended to those who may have approached God transactionally, based on religious performance or personal righteousness, to embrace the reality of adoption into God's family. This transformation, from viewing God as a landlord to recognizing Him as a loving father, marks the essence of becoming a Christian and fundamentally shapes one's approach to prayer and relationship with God.
      TALK IT OUT
      •How has your understanding of prayer evolved over time, and do you resonate with the struggles mentioned in the material regarding prayer?
      •Reflect on your current approach to prayer. Do you view it more as a transactional exchange, a formal duty, or a relational interaction with God?
      •Share about a personal experience where your perception of God influenced how you dealt with difficulty or suffering in your life.
      •What does it mean to you to address God as "our Father" in prayer? How does this relational perspective change the way you approach prayer?
      •Discuss the difference between a transactional view of prayer (e.g., expecting to be heard based on religious performance) and a relational view (recognizing oneself as a beloved child of God). Which perspective do you find more natural to adopt, and why?
      •Reflect on times when your prayers weren't answered as expected. How did you react, and what do you think this reveals about your view of God and your relationship with Him?
      •Consider the concept of adoption into God's family as a foundational aspect of Christianity. How does this perspective influence your understanding of grace, acceptance, and the nature of your relationship with God?
      38 min
    • Week 1 | Pray Like This | Introduction

      Prayer is probably the most powerful spiritual discipline for our lives. 94% of people in North America pray, and yet most people have challenges praying. If God already knows everything then why pray? And what difference does prayer even make? As a result many turn to prayer as a last resort. 

      It’s normal to feel that way. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with prayer. They saw how Jesus prayed and recognized just how powerful and revolutionary it was. So they turned to him and asked him to teach them how to pray. He didn’t tell them they had to go to seminary, he said “sure, I can teach you.” 

      Jesus gave them a model of the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11 and in Matthew 6. The Matthew teaching includes warnings about how NOT to pray: to not do so for public approval, thinking that God will hear you because of your fancy or abundant words. Instead, in private, pray to your Father. 

      The Lord’s prayer is not meant to be a mantra, it's meant to be a model for us to pray as Jesus did. 

      SUMMARY

      TALK IT OUT

      1. What are some common misconceptions or struggles people have with prayer? Have you personally experienced any of these struggles?
      2. On a scale of 1(low)-10(high), how would you rate your prayer life? What are the obstacles that get in the way? 
      3. Consider this quote from Corrie Ten Boom: “For most of us, prayer is more like a spare tire than the steering wheel”. Why do you think this is true? 
      4. Read Luke 5:16 and 6:12. What do you think the disciples experienced that made them ask Jesus how to pray? How did Jesus’ expression of prayer differ from yours? 
      5. Consider the statement: “Prayer is something that can be taught and learned. Which means this— that it is possible to do this right and that it is possible to do this wrong.” Read Matthew 6:5-8. What are some ways we can do it wrong? How do these things practically manifest themselves in our context today? 
      6. Jesus teaches his disciples a specific model of prayer, known as the Lord's Prayer. How does this model differ from the ways prayer is commonly approached today? What significance do you see in the structure and content of the Lord's Prayer?
      7. Spend time as a group praying through the Lord’s prayer. This is not to be as a mantra. But use the outline Jesus provided to speak to God as father. 
        8. 38 min
      8. Week 2 | This Explains It All | Imago Dei

        SUMMARY

        Our world view is shaped by how we understand we came to be. There is no basis on science by which human beings have any greater worth or value than a gnat. 

        But a critical doctrine in Genesis 1:26-27 is that of the IMAGO DEI - or being made in the image of God. 

        The summary statement is: The Imago Dei is a unique feature, not an achievement, through which mankind reflects and represents the character and qualities of God. 

        This is true for every human being, regardless of what they are able to achieve. According to james 3:9-10, we should not praise God and then curse His image bearers. 

        It is this belief in the Imago Dei that set the Christian church apart from other worldviews and brought about the idea of human rights. 

        Being an image bearer means you reflect and represent the character of God. Much like a mirror- we have to face God in order to reflect him. Our glory or weight will never come from within- it has to come from God. 

        TALK IT OUT

        1. The message talks about the forgotten Rembrandt masterpiece hidden under a ping pong table. Can you share a personal experience where something valuable or meaningful was unexpectedly discovered in your life? How did it impact your perspective on value and worth?
        2. How does the idea that every human being reflects the character and qualities of God influence your view of yourself and others? How might this concept shape the way we treat and value people in our daily lives?
        3. Why is human capacity (reason, creativity, intellect, communication) not the right evaluation of dignity and worth? What’s the danger there? 
        4. Read James 3:9-10 In what ways do you see the belief in the image of God influencing the way society views and treats individuals, especially in the context of civil rights? How can this belief contribute to a more just and equitable society?
        5. Being made in the image of God carries the idea of representing and reflecting God’s character and qualities. Like a mirror, we need to face God to be able to reflect his light. How can we practically align ourselves with God in our daily lives? What are some challenges or obstacles that might prevent us from fully reflecting God's character, and how can we overcome them?

          6. DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)

          The Lost World of Genesis- John Walton

          Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin

          The Reason for God - Timothy Keller

          Making Sense of God- Timothy Keller

          https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/

          https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-genesis-1/

          https://bibleproject.com/podcast/genesis-1-and-origins-universe/

          41 min
        7. Week 1 | This Explains It All | Order from Chaos

          SUMMARY

          Our world view is shaped by some significant and serious questions; how did we get here, is God real, am I just a random collection of cells? How we answer that impacts everything. 

          The problem is our human experience probes questions our human experience cannot answer. Everyone fills the gap with faith of some sort because we cannot be there to observe these basic questions of our human existence. Even science has to be observable, repeatable and measurable. And we cannot be there to do any of those things. 

          So as Christians, we turn to the Bible to inform how we understand the world around us.  

          Genesis 1:1-2:4 gives the biblical account for how the heavens and the earth came to be. This account is not written as a scientific treatment of how matter came to be, but Moses wrote Genesis (and the Torah) to teach the ancient Hebrews coming out of Egyptian captivity about the meaning and nature of creation, mankind and God.

          The ancient Hebrews were embedded in cultures that believed the world came to be through strife and conflict between the gods. That the gods came out of the sea (representing chaos and disorder). They were wandering in a wild wasteland, learning to worship and trust Jehovah God. 

          So the account in Genesis is not primarily about the origins of matter, it's about meaning; who God was to them, and who they were to God. How did they get where they were at, and what is God’s plan through them? It shows us that God is self-existent, above creation, and that he has ordered nature in his perfect peace. 

          TALK IT OUT

          • Have you ever walked into a movie late? How did it make you feel? What information did you need to catch up with where things were? 
          • When understanding a biblical text, why is it important to know what the original author meant it to mean to the original audience?
          • The ancient Hebrews were embedded in cultures that believed the world came to be through strife and conflict between the gods. That the gods came out of the sea (representing chaos and disorder). Read Genesis 1:1-2. How does Moses’ account contrast? What is the significance? 
          • How does the Genesis account challenge your cultural programming about the nature of the universe?
          • Moses said that the world was empty and formless - “Tohu Wobohu”. That is, it was a disordered, chaotic wild wasteland. How did God bring order and function? List the aspects of his creation together as a group. 
          • Where is an aspect of Tohu Wobohu in your life (chaos and disorder) that you need to surrender before the God of order and peace? How can your group pray for you in that area? 

            • DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)

            The Lost World of Genesis- John Walton

            Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin

            The Reason for God - Timothy Keller

            Making Sense of God- Timothy Keller

            https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/

            https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-genesis-1/

            https://bibleproject.com/podcast/genesis-1-and-origins-universe/

            35 min