Life is busy, complicated and full of any number of things on most days. Sometimes those things can edge out the truly important things as it relates to our faith. We get distracted, and we get sidetracked. However, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, not only does it inspire us to live the life that we want to live and are called to live, it also helps us see as God sees and begin to align our lives with his values.
1. Jesus made it clear that God loves the world, everyone of the world. What challenges exist in our era of news and media as we seek to love and win those Jesus love?
2. What is it about understanding what Jesus did on the cross that begins to change how we see other people?
3. The first century church also experienced ebb and flows in its growth. Why do you think we are so prone to forget God (or at least think of Him much less) when things are going well than we are when things are going bad?
4. What did you grow up thinking the church was for and about? Has that shifted in your thinking over time?
5. The church of Antioch prayed and fasted, and all of our lives have been impacted by that. They had a burden and a vision to reach those far from God even those far from them. Who is the last person you really had a burden to see come to faith?
6. We often think of revival as merely benefiting insiders, but in Acts it always benefited outsiders as well. Do you think most christians think of revival in these terms? Why or why not?
7. How can remembering that Jesus' heart is for those far from him affect the way you approach your typical day? Do you think of people in terms of faith or labels or other classifications?
Make a list of people who you know are far from faith begin to pray for them outloud every day.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
