Sermon Notes
1. Are we focused on REACHING people more than simply KEEPING people?
2. Look for people OUTSIDE the church to intentionally INCLUDE in the body of Christ.
When someone is intentionally INCLUDED, and
is transformed by Jesus, they instinctively give to RESTORE where they have broken community with others.
3. I played SOME PART in someone crossing the line of FAITH.
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – Have you ever had a close friend who was completely different than you? In what way? What made you friends?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Read Luke 19:1-10
How was Jesus different than Zacchaeus?
Why did the crowd mutter against Jesus?
How was Jesus’ response different than “all the people” expected? How was Zacchaeus’ response different than expected?
Who was seeking whom in this story? (see Luke 19:3-5, 10)
When befriending others who are different than we are, how does Jesus’ example show us who to reach out to?
Why was Jesus so attractive to people who were unlike him? What are ways we can both be true to who we are in Christ and be attractive to those who are not like us?
How is your life different because of your response to Jesus? Who around you deliberately rejects Community or appears not to be looking for Jesus?
Pastor Dave commented, “A common thread among people who become saved is the existence of a friend who nagged them to go to church or youth group or a church Christmas event.” When was a time you were far from Jesus? What brought you to Him or back to Him?
What intentional ways can we reach out to those who appear to be far from Jesus?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday
Honestly, are you open to being around people who are not like you? Where in your life can you reach out to people who are different than you?
Tuesday – Reflect
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15–17
How can you love people instead of judging people? How can you be intentional this week to engage with those who need Christ?
Wednesday – Reflect
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15–16
Are you prepared to give the reason for the hope you have? What can you do to be prepared to share Jesus with others?
Thursday – Reflect
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5–6
How can you make the most of every opportunity? What does being “full of grace, seasoned with salt” mean in your context?
Friday – Reflect
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7
What are practical ways you can bring good news to others?
Saturday
Who in your life should you engage and invite to church? Or Circle Group? Or into a discussion about Christ?