GOING DEEPER
01.20.2019 | “First Things First | Wk 3: Vision Sunday”
Join the community and go deeper with this Bible study.
Breaking Ground
What brought you to E3? How did you find out about it, and why did you come back?
The Dig
After Jesus radically changes and heals his life, the Gerasene man asks to come with Jesus to be a disciple. Instead, Jesus tells him to go home to his “own people,” and to “tell them what the Lord has done for you and how he has shown you mercy.”
In another part of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that they should remember that, “you who were once so far away have been brought near” by Jesus’ sacrifice (Ephesians 2:13).
Part of being a faith community—and part of inviting others to be a part of that community as well—is (a) telling “your own people” (b) what God has done for you, or how he has brought you from far away to “near”.
What surprises you about this? In other words, what are some ways that you’ve seen (or experienced) invitation done badly? Have you ever been invited to experience Jesus in a way that didn’t seem, well, inviting, and maybe was even hurtful?
How is Jesus’ instructions to the Gerasene, as well as Paul’s reminder, different from what you experienced?
In light of this, talk about these simple questions:
Who are “your people”? Who—outside of the church—are you in relationship with? Who do you resonate with, whether through activities, interests, or values?
If you were given the opportunity, how would you describe what God has done for you? How has he brought you from far away to near?
Is there anyone in your relational world that could benefit from an encounter with Jesus?
Spend some time praying for the people—including ourselves—that come to mind.
Getting Out of the Hole
In which of the main parts of E3’s discipleship process—Worship, Growth Groups, or Service—do you need to take a step forward?
What is stopping you? What would it look like to move more deeply into this part of your journey?
Commit to moving forward, and share your decision with a trusted friend or Growth Group leader for accountability.
Additional Resources
Mark for Everyone (NT.Wright)
What’s Going On This Week (see MYE3 for more details)
Fri – Race Dialogue Panel Event