Food For Thought for the week of June 7, 2020 PDF VERSION
Food for Thought
For the week of June 7, 2020
(Questions and Scriptures for further study & discussion)
Discussion Questions Added – Food for Thought is normally written as an aid for personal study during the periods when our Community Groups are not meeting. However, given the unique situation we currently find ourselves in with COVID-19, many Community Groups are continuing to meet in order to provide opportunities for connection. In light of that, we have adjusted the Food for Thought format so the questions can be used for group discussion as well as personal study and reflection.
WHAT’S YOUR HIGHLIGHT?
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or something that caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Pastor JJ said that the Christian Life is to be lived “KINGDOM on” and not “EARTHLY” on, yet we often get all too used to “earthly nature” clothing. Which aspect of your old nature feels like a comfortable old T-shirt to you now? Why is it difficult to shed or remove?
DIGGING DEEPER
1. As you reflect on this weekend’s sermon and this passage, is there an area in your life where you feel you may need to “change clothes” to have a more “Kingdom” wardrobe? Read Colossians 3:12-17. With what piece of Christ’s wardrobe would you like to replace with your current “EARTHLY’ wardrobe?
2. This weekend we were encouraged to stand in the gap by praying persistently for our world, for ourselves, and to pray like Jesus. Jesus stood in the ultimate gap for us by giving Himself up to death on a cross for our sins. Read His final prayer before His crucifixion in John 17:20-26. What can we learn about how to pray for others based on how Jesus prayed for us?
John 17:20-26 New International Version (NIV)
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[a] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
We are called to wear the brand of heaven. How can your Community Group help with your KINGDOM clothing selection?
Coming This Summer!
Here are some ways to stay connected and continue growing this summer. Check our website for updates as more details will be added in the weeks to come. stfchurch.com/events
Summer Study Series – We have three incredible virtual events lined up this summer with our Men & Women’s Ministry and our Summer Reading Playlist, entitled “A Summer in Psalms”. Be sure to check out stfchurch.com to download the daily reading guide.
Summer Class – Financial Peace University begins tonight! Debt is a thief and in these current times, its now more important than ever to educate ourselves about the biblical way to handle our money. Sign up today at stfchurch.com/events
STF Kids Summer Lineup – This summer will be unlike any other and for kids at South Tampa Fellowship, we are not “settling” for an OK summer. We have some amazing experience planned for kids online, virtually, and digitally all summer long. Download a copy of our summer line up to stay connected to what’s happening each week. https://stfchurch.com/summer-events/
Summer Sermon Watch Parties - Community Groups meet in groups of 10-12, we encourage you to gather with your family, Community Group, friends, etc. to watch the sermon together.
RESOURCES & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES DURING QUARANTINE Need some extra help or are you looking to serve in the midst of this crisis? Community Groups are encouraged to SERVE together! Sign up as a group at stfchurch.com/events by clicking the GoTeam trailer.