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Discussion Guide #4
New Chapters: In Agenda (Jesus’ New Command)
Pastor Fritz Wiese
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
- THANKS EVERYONE for making time to be part of what God is doing in our “New Chapters” Lenten Series.
- Thank you, leader, for pulling this New Chapters “chapter” together.
Opening prayer: Thanks God for gathering us together for these fun and holy 30 minutes. We’re grateful that you promise to guide us in all chapters of our life stories. Send your Holy Spirit upon us in these moments, leading us to new life-giving perspectives and convictions about our stories with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discuss:
1. Warm up: Since this week’s topic is new chapters in “agenda,” let’s briefly introduce ourselves again and share one of the first activities of your daily agenda. For instance, stretching, checking emails, brushing teeth, prayer, etc.
2. According to John 13, on the very night he shares the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus says this: “34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” How is this new command also a new agenda for all Christians?
3. It seems according to Jesus’ instructions, when we wake up in the morning, our daily agenda should include activities that show love to our family and neighbors. Love is the litmus test for a worthwhile, productive day. Is there any tension between Jesus’ new agenda and how we’ve agreed to the “world’s agenda”? Share your insights and examples.
4. Martin Luther, in a Freedom of a Christian, describes what he thinks Jesus’ teaching means for our daily agendas. “A Christian ought to think: (Since) my God has given me in Christ all the riches . . . . Why should I not therefore freely, joyfully, with all my heart, . . . do all things which I know are pleasing and acceptable to such a Father . . ? I will therefore give myself as a Christ to my neighbor, just as Christ offered himself to me.” Such a description is very different from Luther’s mindset before he discovered “grace through faith in Jesus.” As a young monk, Luther’s daily agenda was dominated by fearfully trying to earn brownie points and earning God’s favor through good works. Does our motivation for helping others matter? If so, how?
5. In one of the most creative COS videos we’ve ever seen, Richard King—or should we say Richard King’s dog, Luna, with her ability to talk—explained how the two of them have tried to put Jesus New Agenda/New Command into action by showing love to neighbors with anxiety. Luna’s loving presence serves as an “anxiety sponge” and lifts the spirits of so many. What is one creative (or very simple) way you currently (or want to) show love to your neighbors as Jesus first showed love to you?
6. Is there any part of your daily agenda you think God would approve of you “letting go” so you can focus more on loving others . . . . and even yourself . . . a bit more? What is it?
7. In her sermon, Pastor Miriam showed a map of the Roman Empire, suggesting that its overall agenda was one dominated by quest for power and influence. What are some key goals you think should be part of any government’s agenda?
8. Repeat question: Why is it healthy that all humans, but especially COS folks in the midst of transition, reflect upon and talk about new chapters, as we are this Lenten journey?
If you have time . . .
9. What’s one important perspective about new chapters in agenda that hasn’t been mentioned yet in your group?
Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, thanks again for these holy moments with friends in Christ this session. Thanks for reminder that a good day is not defined by how much money we’ve made or jobs accomplished, but by how much love we have shown to our fellow sisters and brothers. Be with us this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thanks everyone!
See you next week!
Next week’s topic: New Chapters . . . in God’s Plan (with Jesus’ New Covenant)
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