Speaker: Chris Mitchell

Home Group Discussion

Reflection:

Billy Graham’s popularity has come from his influence on Christianity to people through crusades. Both politically and religiously respected, Graham is seen as one of the head figures of Christianity in the 21st century; but, how many of us were led to Christ by him specifically? Think of the person that did help you develop your faith. Isn’t that just an ordinary person that gestured you hope? This distinction is important because it implies that “the church is not full of heroes.” Many of us can forget how God has put us in charged to reshape the world as just ordinary people. We are the church.

Pastor Chris continues in the message with scripture from Romans 13 where Paul talks of us being a blessing to our enemies. Seen as the most difficult task presented to us, our definition of blessing can negate the meaning of this passage. Bless does not mean that the person who is inflicting pain on us is now allowed to walk all over us. We need to understand two main things. First that we do not let them continue in their behavior, and second that we understand that there are consequences to their actions. Praying for this wisdom to discern will only guide us to bless consistently.

Lastly, branching from blessings, cursing is often misconstrued as “swearing” or the seven words that you are not allowed to say on television. But even more simply it is the thought of a person in your heart. Regardless if you say it out loud. Do not let the curse fester in your heart because you can soon become the curse. “Stop nursing the cursing.”

Icebreaker:

Who is your biggest enemy?      DO NOT ANSWER THE DEVIL

Questions to Consider:

1. Who is the ordinary person that has helped you along with your faith?

2. What is your definition of a blessing?

3. What area of your life are you an “enemy” to someone else?