Our Tuesday Cru small group was better because we had one freshman show up. Solid guy too. We read John 4, the woman at the well. We figured out that Jesus met this Samaritan woman where she was at, breaking all stereotypes and custom. He pointed out her living situation to her but did not condemn her for it. He communicated the message of salvation to her in a way she could understand. He rose above the worship debate (temple or mountain?) by showing that that the real way to worship was in spirit and in truth. (place does not matter/all about the heart)
This led us to some conclusions...
- We need to cross into the Samarias of our time. For instance, if I knew my friend had 5 previous serious relationships and was now living with a boyfriend, would I even dare to start a spiritual conversation with her?
- Most everyone knows sin is sin. We cannot convict them of it. All we can do is offer a better way.
- In many debates, the correct answer is usually "above the line". For example, should you tithe 10%? The real point is that you give your all to the Lord. The percentage is not of importance. The same can be said for so many issues that divide us... women in leadership, homosexuality, spiritual gifts, abortion, social issues, even music... So often we pick a point on the line and will die to defend it. But we never look up.
The best part of this study is that when I made it, I had very few conclusions prepared.
Random side note: There are at least three people right now that I would love to talk to but if I called them, they would not pick up the phone or call me back. This saddens me...
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