Sanctuary- Week of Feb. 18

Discussion

Text: Genesis 12:1-5

1. v. 1 describes a huge risk God is calling Abe to make.
Why does God call us to risk? What is the role of risk in our life with God?

2. v.2-3 uses the word "bless" several different times. What does "bless" mean?
(get beyond the 'Sunday School' answers)
How did God "bless" Abe? How have we been "blessed" by God?

Text: Galatians 3:26-29
This text describes how, in Christ, the promise to Abe is for the whole world...

3. How do we live out our Abrihamic calling to BE a 'blessing' to the world? What does that mean for us, in our personal 'worlds,' and what does that mean for our involvment in the life of MG?

This is a great time to talk with your group about 'outword journey.' 1. If you have yet to do it, make a concrete plan (what, when, where) and make this a part of the rythm of your group. Just to clarify... The week you do outward journey each month (different for each group depending on when and where the activity is), that is the ONE time you meet that week... that is your group for the week (unless it's a Villager). 2. If you are already doing it, ask 'where do we see God here?' 'How are we BEING blessing here?'

A great quote on missional church... BEING (so that we can do) God's mission (blessing) to the world:
"Most of us would say that, individually, we feel passionate about God. Many of us would also say that we feel passionate about our church. But for missional churches, the passion does not stay personal or referential; it is the essence of and expression of their corporate culture, the primary value that drives their behavior. Missional churches are not just there on Sunday; they are determined to bring the transformational influence of Jesus Christ into their world every day." p.17, Shaped by God's Heart: The Passion and Practices of Missonal Churches, by Milfred Minatrea