Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21
Themes: God Is Love
Welcome
Scripture
Prayer
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Silent Prayer)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish
(Silent Prayer)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son
(Silent Prayer)
For God so loved the world
(Silent Prayer)
Music
God So Loved the World “God So Loved the World” (begin 1.28)
Discussion
Questions 2, 3, 4
Question 5:
Question 6
Hebrews 12:1-3
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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Question 7, 8
Scripture
Revelation 2:2-7
To the Church in Ephesus
**** “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
****4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Sharing
From Karen: Here is a picture of my favorite Valentine. I have many from my hubby and friends but this one lifted me up and encouraged my whole family!
We sang a song in BSF with all the children for someone sick
Here’s some soup I cooked for a neighborhood family who’s Mom had a stroke
From Jen: I decompressed from a stressful meeting with coloring. And reflected that in a shared community, sometimes to love your neighbors you have to have hard conversations and wrestle with decisions.
I also tried to pay attention to the food I ate this week, cooking something filling and nutritious every day (even if it was very easy like a baked potato and steamed veggies)
Question 15
Question 16
Breakout Groups
Closing Music
“Speak O Lord”
Keith & Kristin Getty
Closing Prayer
Prayer of St Francis:
**** Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
**** O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.