Food For Thought for the week of August 30, 2020 PDF VERSION
Food for Thought
For the week of August 30, 2020
(Questions and Scriptures for further study & discussion)
NOTE TO LEADERS: We highly recommend that each week men and women break up into two groups for a time of reflection, prayer requests, and prayer.
WHAT’S YOUR HIGHLIGHT?
Looking back over your notes from “Top 10 Lame Excuses People Get Divorced” by Dr. Clarke, what was most challenging, helpful, or interesting to you?
YOUR STORY
1. This week Dr. Clarke made it clear that love is a choice and not an emotion. Can you come up with some things that you have done to choose to love someone, even though you didn’t feel like it?
DIGGING DEEPER
1. For some of us, this weekend’s sermon on divorce was really hard to hear. The good news is that no matter the state of our marriage, we know God absolutely cares for us. In Ephesians 5:21-33 we see how much he cares, as he gives the picture of the church (us) being his bride. Read through the passage and write down anything that points to (or compares) the church to being the “bride” of Christ.
Based on the verses you read, how would you say God feels about his bride?
Several times the passage reminds us to take loving actions towards our spouse, not based on what we feel, but based on what God has asked us to do. Why is that important?
2. God wants us to be an example of love, not just in marriage, but in all relationships. How could Ephesians 5:1-4 help us better follow God’s example at loving others?
Can you think of any other relationships where you could be withholding love where God is calling you to love more?
3. The best description of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. As you read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, take a minute to consider how true what you just read is of your relationship with your spouse (or family or good friends).
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. [8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. [NIV]
It’s comforting to know that another name for God is “LOVE”. How can the group pray for you this week as you reflect the love of God towards others this week?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Prayer Walk – Friday, September 11, from 7-8 p.m.
As STF continues to plan to re-gather on campus, we invite you to join for the STF Community Prayer Walk. Please use the SignUpGenius link below to register for a prayer group which will meet outside at one of the three campus locations. We are looking forward to walking through the neighborhoods around our campuses on that day and praying over our community. Thank you for continuing to play a mission-critical role on the STF Prayer Team. Sign Up
Marriage Night – September 12, 2020 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Marriage Night is a one-night event for married and engaged couples to laugh and learn as they hear from marriage experts and discover how to honor God through their relationship. This is a perfect opportunity to gather with other couples in your community group to learn and grow together as you strengthen your marriages. Tickets are available for $30 per community group, or $30 per couple if you and your spouse watch on your own. Click below to register to attend Marriage Night. Register
Women’s Bible Study – Sept. 14, 7:00pm – Nov 16, 2020 8:45pm OR September 15, 9:30am – Nov. 17, 2020 11:15am
Join us this fall for Jen Wilkin’s “Better,” her latest 10-session study of the book of Hebrews! Jen Wilkin explores how God “provided something better for us” in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews calls us to fix our gaze instead on the resurrected Christ as we run the race set before us. In Him alone, we have hope and salvation … He alone is better. Register