2019
Public Faith
Passage: Matthew 5:13-16 & 1 Peter 3:15
Community Group Discussion:
Opening Question
Share about a time you had a memorable meal? What did you eat? What was the occasion?
Read Matthew 5:13-16
- From the scripture passages share something that surprises, encourages, or confuses you.
- William Wilberforce, a leading abolitionist, argued that we need full heads to have warm hearts. Wilberforce maintained that we need to hold onto the peculiar doctrines (essential doctrines) of Christianity to be salt and light. What do you think of the merit of Wilberforce’s argument? What are some of the peculiar doctrines associated with being a follower of Jesus? Why are those specific doctrines foundational?
- From the quotations below share something that inspires or challenges you to live into your identity to be salt and light.
Tim Keller:
The vision is to live such beautiful lives that the people around you who don’t believe what you do are soon unable imagine the world without you – because of your public good.
Andy Crouch:
Being a radical is actually pretty easy; just give away 10% of your money and watch less TV, and that will make you a witness to the people around you.
G.K. Chesterton:
Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair
- The prayer below speaks of three reasons we struggle to take our faith public: self-consciousness, lethargy, and pessimism. Which of these do you struggle with most in this current season? What practices or truths help to push back against the temptation to be silent?
Songs of Jesus:
Lord, grow my understanding of your grace until it rides me of self-consciousness, lethargy, and pessimism that keeps me from opening my mouth and identifying as a Christian in public. Forgive me for being silent about all you’ve done for me.
- Read 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Ephesians 2:8-10, and Romans 1:16. What are some connections between these verses and the call to be salt and light in your neighborhood, workplace, and places of recreation?