The big idea of this series was to see the unique attributes that we can both experience AND EXTEND as we live out the gospel.
Wk1:
Jesus’s passion for the temple pointed to his demand for righteousness and holy living. His anger burned not because he was vindictive or capricious but because he saw his sacred space being used for personal gain and not worship.
--Then you see…
Wk2:
Jesus’ interaction with the woman caught in adultery, the men who brought her to him, and those watching point to his compassion for people—even when they have sinned against him.
--Which gives us a great segue…
Wk3:
The story of Zacchaeus is a great picture of God extending love and openness to people trapped in sin and in need of salvation.
--This tells us that God isn’t hanging us out to dry… he wants to see us through…
Wk4:
The death and raising of Lazarus gives us a wonderful picture of how God sees and empathizes with the struggles of people.
--And in all this we learn:
God is a God of hope for truth and life, and we have every opportunity to step into that life.
And let’s be real, the fruit of our lives is a great litmus test to where we are at.
Wk1:
How we worship with our lives paints a picture of our understanding of God’s essential character. Our failure can taint the image others will have of God.
Wk2:
(As Christ Followers) There is weight to live like a people who know God is always compassionate toward us, in turn extending the same compassion toward others.
Wk3:
How we act makes a difference. We should be able to see in the story of Zacchaeus the power of obedience, humility, and genuine joy in having a relationship with God. But more than that, we should see the depth of God’s love for us.
Wk4:
How we respond makes a difference. When life’s greatest challenges strike at our foundation and call God’s goodness into question, we can be assured that he cares for us and understands.