Brand New (5) – Redefining Terms

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us. Welcome to March! First thing first, remember to set your clock on hour ahead next Sunday as Day Light Saving Time starts. And, for those of you that are suffering from seasonal allergy, 2 teaspoons of local honey a day might do the trick. I do hope that you can enjoy the beautiful weather that we have now. And please also pray for those that are suffering from the flood in the San Jose area.

We have been in our series Brand New and today we are finishing it up. We have said from the beginning that many of the things people resist about the church are things the church should have resisted. Jesus initiated the church to resist the Temple Model, which was focused on sacred places, sacred men, and sacred texts . . . superstition. He initiated a new covenant that is less complicated but far more demanding. Unfortunately due to some events happened in history people have been sprinkling the Temple Model with the Jesus movement. Therefore today we find the Temple Model in many of our churches. But together we can change that. It starts with us simply asking, “What does love require of me?”

Moving Forward

Our devotion to God is illustrated, demonstrated, and authenticated by our love for others. Imagine if every Christian engaged people instead of just attended church services. Imagine if every Christian used his or her authority on behalf of others. Imagine if every Christian asked, “What does love require of me?” It would change the world.

Changing Your Mind

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:14-15

Discussion Questions

1. Talk about a time when someone made a sacrifice on your behalf. How did that sacrifice make a difference in your life?

2. Talk about a time when you’ve seen someone use the Bible as a bat against someone else. How did it affect the person on the receiving end? How did it affect you?

3. In what area of your life—the way you use authority, behave in your marriage, or view holiness—are you most tempted to drift into the Temple Model? What are some things love requires of you in that area of your life?

4. Read John 13:1–17. What do you think this example set by Jesus means for your life? What are some ways you need to wash more feet? How can your small group support you?