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Date: October 18, 2020
Christ’s Commitment to Us
The Point: Even at our worst, Christ was fully committed to love us and bring us to God.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
During this time when many people are staying closer to home because of the Covid virus, one Italian family decided to set sail on a grand adventure. Stefano and Sara Barberis, and their children ages 11, 8, and 3, are leaving Europe this fall, setting sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Their goal is to reach the Caribbean and explore that area of the world. Their home for the journey is a 55-foot-long sailboat. The family has been preparing for the trip for the past 6 years, spending two months each summer traveling by boat. They sold their home to fund their sailing trip.
“We’re happy now, but very curious to experience a different kind of life and share it with our two sons and daughter, far from the daily routine and rhythms of school,” says Sara. Some people have criticized the Barberis for taking their children on what could be a dangerous journey. “We’ve been described as selfish, but I would feel selfish were my husband and I to set sail alone leaving the kids behind and not allowing them to live such a unique opportunity,” says Sara. “Even driving on the highway in Milan is dangerous, but that doesn’t mean one should stay glued to the sofa.”
Say: Stefano and Sara Barberis want to “experience a different kind of life” by exploring the world far from their home in Italy. And they think it’s important that their children experience this different kind of life alongside them. Families can teach children all kinds of different lessons.
Then call attention to Question #1 (What lessons about commitment were you taught growing up?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/covid-family-setting-sail-epic-voyage/index.html
Get Into the Study [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, prepare a video clip of an elderly person giving advice about growing older. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Use the following information to supplement Question #2.
The First Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas, has been ministering to internationals for decades. Their International Friends ministry holds English as a Second Language classes (now shifting to Zoom classes during Covid). The church also holds worship services in six languages, besides English, each week. Diane Majok, a refugee from South Sudan, is part of the church family. She and her family came to Amarillo in 2005.
“It was a miracle the way we found First Baptist Church,” Majok said. Someone from the international ministry at First Baptist knocked on her door and invited her family to church on the same day they were moving into their apartment in 2005.
“Since then, we found the church family was our home and our family,” Majok affirmed. “My husband and all of us found the truth. We learned how God died for us and how He loves us and what Christianity means.
“When we were coming from our country, we just called ourselves Christians but we didn’t know what Christianity meant,” she said. “But Jesus died for us and He forgave us. Then we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.”
Say: Although Diane Majok called herself a Christian, it was through the international ministry of First Baptist Amarillo, Texas, that she can to fully understand that Christ died for her sins and that she needed a Savior.
Then call attention to Question #2 (How did you come to recognize your need for Christ?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
— Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina.
Study the Bible [Additional Option for Adult Teacher Guide]
Use this image of a lifesaver as you lead the group in Optional Idea (p. 38).
Live It Out [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, prepare a video for “The Three Circles” gospel presentation from the North American Mission Board. If you don’t have video capabilities, this is a simple presentation to learn beforehand and draw on a whiteboard or poster. After sharing, provide an opportunity for response.
Additional Questions
Icebreakers
- What ideas or images come to mind when you hear the word commitment? Why?
- When have you been “all in” on a goal or a hobby?
- What experiences in life require an “all in” kind of commitment?
Romans 5:6-8
- What do these verses tell you about yourself? What do they tell you about God?
- How do these verses add to your understanding of Christ?
- What emotions do you experience when you read these verses?
Romans 5:9-11
- What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
- How does Christ’s sacrifice reconcile us to God?
- What has Christ done for us that we could never do for ourselves?
Romans 5:12,18-21
- How do these verses describe Christ’s commitment to us?
- What are some specific gifts we have received because of Christ’s commitment to us?
- How does a clear understanding of our sin help us better comprehend the fullness of God’s grace?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
The Difference Between the Good and the Righteous
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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