Harpeth Community Church

Show & Tell

Mark 2:1-12

(Missional Church Series - #5 out of 5)

Words and Deeds.

Good News and Good Works.

Evangelism and Social Action.

Do something really radical, practice your religion.

The best argument in favor of Christianity is a Christian.  

The best argument in favor of a church is the lives of the people in the church.

Francis of Assis, “Preach Christ all the time; if necessary, use words.”

Sister  Margaret: “We are trying to shout the gospel with our lives.”

10 Reasons Why?

Essence - We want to trust & follow, to be like Jesus and love as Jesus did.

God’s love – God loves people and cares for their hurts and needs – through us.

Identity – Love marks off and demonstrates the true identity of God’s people.

Needs – we put “flesh” on our message of love at the point of people’s need.

Relationships – meeting felt needs establishes a foundation for relationships.

Mistrust – service overcomes barriers of mistrust among non-Christ followers.

Hope – as we meet needs, it gives people new hope, motivation, and dignity.

Bridges – as we serve, relational bridges are built to hear the message.

Changed Lives – in our service, others see spiritual power for changing their lives.

Materialism – is defeated because the poor help us more than we help them.

Small Group Questions

What was the highlight of this past week for you?  Explain why?

Read and review Mark 2:1-12.  Why did Jesus grant forgiveness before healing?

Which of the two are you better at – “showing” good deeds or “telling” the good news? Explain why?

Of the “10 Reasons Why” which is the most important to you?  Explain why?

Review the summary of decisions, under “Your Decisions?” above.  Which is the hardest one for you? Why? 

What changes do you plan to make in your life in matters related to “missional living”?

Answer the question: “how can we pray for each other this week?”

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Your Decisions?

__ I will be financially sacrificial, seeking/moving to give financially at the level of a tithe or more.

__ I will find a way to help my church and do my part to serve the needy and poor in my community.

__ I will be missional, seeking to show intentional love, as Jesus did, to all those I know.