Message Notes for January 7, 2024

Series: Access Granted

Title: Access Granted

Mark 2: 15-17 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

· Jesus removed the barriers of access to Him.

Matthew 7: 1-5  “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:12-13

Mark 7:14-23   And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”

Acts Chapter 10

· Access to Jesus is life.

Matthew 7:13-14   Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of January 7, 2024

Series: Access Granted

Title: Access Granted

* Who is it difficult for you to share Jesus with? Why?

* What are ways people can feel excluded from church? What could the church do differently?

* How can the church open its doors to everyone without changing core beliefs of what it means to follow Jesus?

* Read Acts Chapter 10. How were people excluded and what did God do to change the perception of bringing the gospel to Gentile people? What had to change in Peter? What was the result? Who might be considered “Gentile people today” (those the church closes its doors to)? How does God need to change your heart to open doors of the gospel to them?

* Read Matthew 7:1-5. What is Jesus wanting us to know in this passage? What part is convicting? What part is good news? How does following Jesus’ words open hearts and access to Jesus?

* Read Matthew 7:13-14. What does this passage look like in the world today? Why would the narrow road be harder? What is the promise in this passage? What is the conviction? How does Jesus provide access to all?

* Read Mark 2:15-17. Why would these sinners want to be with Jesus? Why does Jesus want to be with them? What does this say about Jesus’ heart for those who are not right with God or confused about what is right and wrong. Why do the others not want Jesus to spend time with sinners? What can we learn from this passage in how to better open the door for Jesus into the lives of people around us?

* What has been the most convicting for you through these passages? What would you do differently now?

* Gather and pray for each other.