Christian (8) – Working It Out

Welcome to CROLCC and thanks for coming to worship with us. Today is a historic day. Today is the last day that we will be at this location. We are so grateful to have this place for worship for the past five years. So many memories and so many lives transformed here. So before we move to our new location for worship next week, would you please say a prayer and give thanks to God for the past? And, would you please bless this place so that the next tenant will also be blessed because of God’s presence here?

Today we are concluding our series Christian. We have talked about how Christianity has a branding problem. Part of that problem is terminology. In the first century, “Christian” was a derogatory term invented by people who disliked followers of Jesus. It doesn’t have a concrete definition, which leaves us a lot of leeway to define it for ourselves. We tend to attach particular doctrinal or political beliefs to the word—beliefs that are important to us personally.

But Jesus never called his followers “Christians.” Instead, He called them “disciples.” That’s a terrifying word because it actually means something. A disciple is a pupil or follower. A disciple learns and grows by obeying and imitating his or her master. And Jesus made it very clear how he wanted his followers to behave:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Moving Forward

Can you imagine what would happen in our families and communities—even our nation—if, for a month, we asked what love requires of us and then responded accordingly? If you want to influence someone’s future, you have two options: hurt them deeply or love them profoundly. What you believe may not even be a factor.

Discussion Questions

1. Talk about someone who loved you well when you were growing up. How has that person’s influence carried over into your adult life?

2. Read Matthew 22:37-39. What is most challenging about loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind?

3. What is most challenging about loving others as yourself?

4. In the message, Kevin stresses that when it comes to influencing others, behavior is more important than belief. Talk about that idea. Do you agree? Is there anything about it that bothers you?

5. Think of a person in your life who is difficult to love. What does love require of you in your interactions with this person? What’s one thing you can do this week to demonstrate love?