the gospel challenge

An 8-week adventure of discovery

Week Six: The Gift 

1.  Watch the message
What did you hear?
What did you notice?

Jot down a word, a phrase, or insight you want to remember throughout the week.
2. Read the passages at least one time during the week:
In the passage this week we focus on a familiar verse, John 3:16.  This sums up God’s sacrificial love and offer of eternal life.
Some things to think about the passage:
This verse is so familiar that sometimes we forget the context in which Jesus says these words.  He’s reminding Nicodemus how Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole so the Israelites could look on it and be healed, a familiar story to Nicodemus rich with meaning for the Israelites.  Similarly, the Son of Man must also be lifted up (on a cross) to take on the full weight of the sin of the world so that when people look on him (believe) they will be saved from the sin that has infected us all.  The cross paints a new picture of who God is and how we can have a relationship with him other than through animal sacrifice.  This was difficult for Nicodemus to understand and probably for some of us as well.  Jesus is explaining that what is happening by his coming to earth is the fulfillment of the Scriptures the religious leaders knew so well.  Jesus also indicates that this relationship with God is available to all “the world,”  not just the nation of Israel.  “For God so loved the world…He gave…”  Does this verse create a grateful heart in you or raise new questions in your mind?  Talk to Jesus about it.

John 3:16   NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Practices to supplement your reading

3.  Explore a Practice
You are encouraged to explore different spiritual practices during this eight-week challenge.  Not all practices benefit everyone, but you are encouraged to use this time to experiment with something new or return to a practice maybe you haven’t done in a while.  You will be provided with a couple different options.  You are encouraged to try one each week.

Forgiveness

To forgive is to condemn a wrong, spare the wrongdoer hatred, and revenge and self-righteous indignation by joining them to Jesus’ own forgiving heart.
This practice includes:
  • Forgiving myself for my mistakes and limits as God has forgiven me.
  • Attaching my heart to God’s forgiving heart and extending God’s forgiveness when I can’t extend my own.
  • Not tying forgiveness to another’s admission of wrongdoing.
Forgiveness is the lynchpin that makes relationships work.
In your imagination sit at the foot of the cross as Jesus is dying.  Watch him holding the abuse, rage and sin of the whole world.  Watch how he does not turn it back on those who deserve it.  What does this mean to you in your relationships?
(The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, by Adele Ahlbeg Calhoun)

Think of the things you must give up or let go of in order to forgive.  The list might include things like the right to revenge or the expectation of an apology.  It might even include giving up an expectation that the person who hurt you will understand the pain they have caused.  As you jot down this list, pause with each item and offer thanks for the ability to let go of what you do not need in order to forgive.
(The Book of Forgiving by Desmund and Mpho Tutu)

Who do you need to forgive?  Offer a prayer of forgiveness or talk to God about the obstacles you face in offering forgiveness.

Celebration

Celebration is a way of engaging in actions that orient the spirit toward worship, praise and thanksgiving.  Delighting in all the attention and never-changing presence of the Trinity fuels celebration

Consider how God loves you.  Read Zephaniah 3:17
"For the LORD, your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”


Then be still and listen.  How is God celebrating you?  Celebrate the God who celebrates you.  Intentionally ask for the gift of appreciating yourself the way God does.(The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, by Adele Ahlbeg Calhoun)

Seek God for the City Prayer Guide

Pray powerful prayers of biblical hope for the people of your community. This prayer guide makes it easy for you to pray rich, biblical prayers for spiritual awakening throughout your city. Dated to unite prayer during the 40 days leading to Palm Sunday, February 17 – March 28, 2021.

You can purchase through your app store, pick up a hard copy at the connection center (first come, first serve) or you can purchase at https://waymakers.org/store/

Talk to a Friend

Take the initiative to call, Zoom, Facetime or talk with someone about the message and/or your reading of the passage from John this week.  Here are some optional questions/suggestions to get your conversation started:
  • Share a thought or insight from Sunday’s message.
  • What did you notice from the Scripture passage?
  • Which practice is more challenging for you – forgiveness or celebration?  Why?
May you experience a fresh expression of God’s presence both with you and for you as you make time for him in your schedule of room for him in your heart and mind.
Have a wonderful week!