happy new year
Alfred Lu Lead Deacon English Congregation Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church Vancouver, British Columbia Theme of the Month Love in the Body of Christ Sunday Sermon for 2 January 2011 Scripture Passage John 21:15-19 15
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to
indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Happy New Year This Month’s Theme: Love in the Body of Christ
Discussion Questions
Hearing God’s Voice, Knowing His Will Through People and Service Personal Charity, Not Macrocharity
God-sized Tasks
1. How do you know God exists? How is Jesus real and personal in your life?
Book Recommendation: The End of Poverty by Jeffery Sachs
2. Do you hear God’s voice? If not, is that normal?
Video Recommendation: Hans Rosling on TED Talks
3. Do you know God’s will for your life? If not, does God hide His will from you?
Love in the church can grow through service.
4. Can you build your relationship with God through prayers only? Will God answer “parking lot” prayers?
A church argument I’d love to see....
5. How do you know God exists? How is Jesus real and personal in your life? 6. Do you hear God’s voice? If not, is that normal? 7. Do you know God’s will for your life? If not, does God hide His will from you? 8. Can you build your relationship with God through prayers only? Will God answer “parking lot” prayers?
The Grand Voice from Heaven Why do people drop out of church? Jesus’ unanswered prayers. Luke 22:31-32 The danger of linking our relationship to God with how our prayers are answered.
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, Claude King • The Bible • Prayer • Circumstances • The Church
How Jesus Responds John 21:15-19
Does experiencing God have to be an emotional experience? 2 HAPPY NEW YEAR
A Challenge Acknowledging God, Loving God “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Agnus Dei - Lamb of God A symbolic gesture