Speaking My Language
All Things to All People.
Sunday - May 17th
This Sunday Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
Readings
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak
. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23 (NIV)
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but
we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles
Questions to Consider
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Can you recall going into a new environment (a school, a job, a church) and feeling a bit lost or out of place? What made you feel that way – and what would have helped you relax and settle in?
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At EBC, we ask members and regular attenders to leave their car at home, if they can, or park off site. Where we have to bring cars, we park at the back. This is so that newcomers can park easily in our car park. Were you aware of this and do you help in this way?
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Churches can feel a bit cliquey sometimes… When you see someone you don’t know in church, do you make an effort to speak with them, or ignore them and just talk with your friends?
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Outside of church, when was the last time you invited someone to a church event or service? Do you do this habitually? If not… why not?
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When you think of the Gospel, literally the “good news” about Jesus, how would you describe it? A man was betrayed, tortured and crucified – people wear crosses and they’re found in churches to remind ourselves of it. Why exactly is it all good news? How would you describe it to a non-Christian?
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Do you consider yourself to be someone who needs (or needed) to be saved from sin, or the consequences of sin?
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Often people live in ways that might seem to go against Jesus’s teaching. Is this OK? Being mindful of our own imperfections, should we just “live and let live” and say “You’re OK, I’m OK!”… or is there a deeper need for such people – and all of us – i.e. the need of salvation?
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How do you define yourself? In light of that, what do you think God might be calling you to do in this next season of your life?
Prayer
Loving God, forgive us our sins. LORD HAVE MERCY.
Redeeming God, help us to forgive others and to receive their forgiveness. LORD HAVE MERCY.
God of all goodness and wisdom, help us treat others with goodness and wisdom. LORD HAVE MERCY
Welcoming God, inspire and empower us to invite others in and to welcome them with genuine affection. LORD HAVE MERCY.
Saviour God, thank you for your freely given gift of saving grace. May we ever be mindful of our need, and the need of every human being, to receive this gift. LORD HAVE MERCY.
And Father God, thank you that because of your precious Son and the work of Your Holy Spirit living in us, we too can call ourselves your sons and daughters. Should we ever take this good news for granted… LORD HAVE MERCY.
Amen