SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:16-33, 36-39

BIG IDEA:

In his first sermon in the town of Antioch, the apostle Paul begins his presentation of the Gospel of Jesus by reviewing the history of the Jewish people and their often frustrating relationship with God. He reminds the Jews in his audience about God’s faithfulness to them, and His ultimate promise to do everything necessary to restore the broken relationship between Himself and the people He created. Paul’s reminders about the past in that sermon initiate a long-standing tradition in Christian teaching and practice: the prioritization not of our own stories, but of the stories of our ancestors, whose moments of pridefulness and humility remind us of both God’s power to save us and His faithfulness to building a Church that is bigger than any of us alone. Liturgical practices in the history of the church serve as practical opportunities for us to slow down and remember: that we are and have always been loved by God, that God is in the midst of a redemptive project that is beyond our grasp, and that we are a part of something that God will not let go or abandon. As we participate in the traditional religious practices of our faith, we can feel a special comfort that can only come from these holy reminders.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Why are we sometimes bothered or even bored by traditional elements of a liturgical service, like responsive readings, confession, or communion?

2. What do you think the point of liturgically constructed services might be?

3. On Sunday, Kenny talked about the “liturgical calendar,” which is designed to guide Christians through a large portion of the entire Bible every three years. What do you think of this traditional practice? Would you try (or have you ever tried) something similar? What were your experiences?

4. As a Christian, in what ways do you feel connected to a Church that is bigger than Revolution? In what ways do you feel alienated or separate from that Church?

5. What do you think Revolution’s role in the community of churches in Annapolis, in our country, or in the world ought to be?

6. Are there particular elements of traditional liturgical services that you enjoy? Why?

7. What do you want to be reminded of this Advent season? What lessons from your own past can help you have a more restful and grace-filled holiday this year?

You can find the handout for this week HERE.

You can access this week’s handout here.

You can find this week’s handout HERE.

You can see this week’s Sermon Handout HERE.