Message Notes for June 5, 2022
Series:  God Sense
Title: Likeness is less – Diversity Far Exceeds

Series Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:20 nlt So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 
We become increasingly useful to God’s kingdom work the more our gifts and understandings are refined by the diversity of God’s people. 
Thought Reminder:
It is only through a walk of faith that God sense begins to make human sense. 

God’s likeness creates great diversity to represent the fullness of God.
Genesis 1:26  Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” 
Psalm 139:13-14 

The Blessings of God’s Unified Likeness:
– The Blessing of God’s Welcome
Colossians 3:10-11 

– The Blessing of Becoming More Complete
1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 26 

– The Blessing in the Fulfillment of God’s Creative Intention
Acts 17:26-28  

– The Blessing of Accomplishing God’s Unified Mission
Acts 13:1-3  

The Blessing of Living Heaven on Earth
Revelation 7:9-10  

What does this mean for us as a church and you as an individual?  

Family/Group Study Notes for week of June 5, 2022
Series: God Sense
Title: Likeness is less – Diversity Far Exceeds

When you consider who you hang with and work with, how diverse is that group? Why is it that we are more likely to relate to people like us?What would be the value of having a more diverse friend and work group? 
 
We think of education as an opportunity to learn from those who have knowledge and experience we do not have. How can surrounding ourselves with people who are different in culture, understanding and experiences, serve to educate you to a more fulfilling and impactful life?
 
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. How does Jesus see the Church? What point is Paul wanting to get across in this passage? What type of serving have you falsely considered less important? What type of serving have you falsely considered more important? How does this passage inspire you to be involved in God’s work through the church? How does this passage encourage you toward affirming all kinds of gifts and talents? What could you do differently this week?
 
Read Colossians 3:10-11. What does this passage mean to you? Take a moment to google a commentary on what this passage means. How is Paul connecting this to Genesis 1: 26?
Read Acts 17:26-28. Take a moment to review some commentary on this passage from a Google search. What critical point was Paul needing to make concerning his own prejudices and those around him? What had to be the new understanding for God’s Church to truly represent God’s intention in creation?
What do you think heaven will be like with all the nations of the world gathering? Read Revelation 7:9-10. How could the church today display a glimpse of heaven on earth?
 
What would be some next steps for you and your family to grow in this blessing of diversity in God’s likeness? How could you help your church do the same? 
 
Gather with each other and pray for God to show you where you have fallen short in this ideal of God. Ask God to help you discover the great joy of all His people.