Message Notes for January 22, 2023
Series: Devotion
Title: The Cleansing of Our Soul

The consistent rhythm of four disciplines produced a life-giving community of good will where generosity poured out, miracles were seen, people were saved, and the voice of God was heard in their lives and in the land.

– Bible Study
– Intentional Christian Community
– Reconciling Meals
– Alignment Prayers

 Reconciling Meals: Our soul can be heavy or light; it can be hopeful or fearful; it can harbor ill will or set free to love. Keeping our soul at peace is a work of reconciled relationships.

 Matthew 26:26-28

The meal lived out in practical ways:
Romans 12:18-21
James 5:16
Luke 6:37-38

Colossians 13:13 Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint
against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so
you also must forgive.

What does it mean to bear up one another?
– To release debt. (Colossians 3:13 & Luke 6:37-38)
– To not pursue revenge. (Matthew 5:38-40)
– To demonstrate God’s character above all. (Matthew 5:41-42)
– To grace an ungodly heart. (Luke 23:34)
– To be one with Jesus so others may see Him in you. (John 17: 19-21)

Family/Study Group Notes for Week of January 22, 2023
Series: Devotion
Title: The Cleansing of Our Soul

•  Share a time when it was most difficult to forgive someone. What made it hard?
• In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”. What does this mean to you? Why does Jesus connect our forgiving to our forgiveness?
• Read Luke 6:37-38. What is Jesus asking us to do in this passage? What are the promises as we follow through with this command? How would you see this lived out practically in your daily life?
• Read Romans 12:18-21. What is Paul saying we should do? What would this look like with the people in your life? What is Paul saying we can expect from God that sets us free to offer grace and love?
• Read Romans 7:15-19. What is Paul’s personal struggle? How can this be true of you or others you know? How could someone change from this type of lifestyle? How would this relate to Jesus’ words from the cross: Luke 23:34 – And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”? How can you offer grace, love, and correction to someone who does not know how to do the right thing?
• Read John 17:19-21. What would it mean to be one with Jesus? How is this oneness important in attracting others to Jesus?
• Gather with your family/friends and pray for each other and the ability to forgive.