Hot Topics: Part 2 - 'Nobody's Perfect'
This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC Online services. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
The talk will be available on our You Tube channel from 10am on Sunday 17th October.
Readings:
Matthew chapter 15 verses 29 to 31 (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)
29 After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, 31 so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Luke chapter 14 verses 13 to 14 (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)
13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
Prayer & Reflection
Father God, we are all blemished in some way – broken bodies, broken brains, broken spirits, broken hearts… and we say thank you that we are all able to come to Your table today, and to Your heavenly banquet at the end of times, because of Jesus. Help us by your Holy Spirit to break down the walls within us and to reach out in love to people of all colours and all abilities. Help us to offer the gifts of time and listening ears and tender hearts, Lord.
In Jesus’ name.
men.
Questions to Consider:
1. What difficulties do you have that affect your ability to do ‘normal daily activities’ and how do you view these difficulties?
2. In your circle of family and friends, who can you think of that has some kind of disability – and how does it affect your relationship, if at all?
3. When meeting people you don’t know, are you more or less likely to engage with someone that clearly has some kind of disability, or does it not make any difference to you? Should it make a difference – and if so, in what ways?
4. Is there a person with a disability you can think of who really inspires you? Who are they and why do they inspire you?
Other Resources
Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action. Book by Nick Vujicic.
https://zionclark.com/ Website of Zion Clark.
https://www.dorothy-springer-trust.org.uk/index.php/history Website of the Dorothy Springer Trust, founded by EBC’s inspirational friend and partner, Dr. Abs Dumbuya.
Simon Lace, 10/10/2021