BIG IDEA
We can stretch our faith by making a commitment.
MESSAGE NOTES:
WHAT:
Just like your body, if you want a faith that is strong, growing, and capable of carrying you through difficult challenges, you're going to need to stretch. This month, we're going to challenge ourselves to stretch our faith together. It might be fun. It might be challenging. It will definitely be worthwhile! But here’s the key: whether it's your body or your faith, stretching only works if you commit to actually doing it.
SO WHAT:
We can learn a lot about how to stretch our own faith from the stories and words of the Jesus-followers who have gone before us. One of those people is someone we've talked about before: Paul, a guy who experienced a major life-change when he met Jesus.
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:6–8.
Paul wanted the Romans to understand that Jesus could save them from their sin — their mistakes, failures, and rebellion against God. But Paul also wanted to make sure the Romans understood that salvation isn't just about eternity. It's about right now!
NOW WHAT:
To reach our goals ten years from now, we have to start with a commitment today — a commitment to stretch and keep stretching. During this next song, I'd like to encourage each of you to make one of five “stretch” commitments. This week, which stretch will you commit to doing?
Show up.
Follow Jesus.
Love God.
Love others.
Ask questions.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Q1: What are some commitments that are easy to help you stretch your faith?
Q2: Do you know anyone whose life was changed because of Jesus?
Q3: Did you make a commitment to stretch your faith? If so, which one: show up, follow Jesus, love God, love others, or ask questions.
Q4: Do you feel like your faith is flexible, do you feel like your faith has been stretched at some point in your life?