We are in a sermon series called “What God is Like”. It is based off of Exodus 34:6 where God gives a description of God’s character:

⁶And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

You can watch the first sermon here: What God Is Like Sermon 1

You can watch the second sermon on compassion here: Compassionate

Last Sunday was the second descriptor of God’s character, you can watch that sermon here: Gracious

These 5 descriptions of God’s character reveal to us who God has been, is and will be!

• Compassionate
• Gracious
• Slow to Anger
• Abounding in Love
• Faithful

We see throughout the metanarrative (story of the Bible) these aspects of God’s character in the stories told, and we see all of these character attributes in Jesus – God in the flesh.

First we receive from God and then we are able to reflect God’s character to the world around us.

We have resources below in this email to go deeper and to engage with a group or conversation partner. However, we also know that these topics may bring up the need for some to have prayer support or referrals for counselors and/or spiritual directors. See our care resources: Mill City Church Care Resources

PRAXIS GATHERINGS – We are also going to have a gathering time for all ages every Wednesday from 6:30-8pm at the church  4/19   4/26   5/3   5/10   5/17    5/24   

This is a time to put into practice what we are learning from scripture each week. There will be a discussion and then a spiritual practice to do together. You can join any week you are able – no need to sign up, just come to door 3 at the church by 6:30pm any Wednesday.

All ages are invited to come! Mill City Youth group will be engaging the same topic and there will be space for Elementary kids to participate and a childcare option for little kids.
*no dinner provided but feel free to bring your own

GOING DEEPER IN STUDY:

• Bible Project Video Shown on Sunday
• Podcast From The Bible Project
• Notes on Scripture Focused on Grace

GOING DEEPER IN A GROUP OR WITH A PARTNER:

• Opening “Community Time” Question: How would you answer the question, “What was a favorite gift you have ever received?”
• Get paper and a pen for this next time of reflection
• Watch 5 Minute Bible Project Video
• Discussion Questions (pick which ever resonate with you and you have time for)
• The Hebrew word for “gracious” in Exodus 34:6 is “khanun,” which is related to the Hebrew noun “khen.” This word, “khen,” is often translated as “grace,” but it can also be translated with words like “delight,” “favor,” “charm,” or “beauty.” People with wise, eloquent, or physically beautiful qualities naturally attract khen. Read Proverbs 1:8-9, 22:11, and 31:30 in a few translations. What do you notice about how your Bible translates the word “khen”? Discuss the different ways khen is used in these examples.
• Khen can also be used to communicate an act of generous favor. In these cases, the recipients of khen are usually undeserving or perceived as such, so translators use words like “mercy” or “plead” for khen or khanun. With this in mind, read Genesis 42:21, Esther 4:8, Ruth 2:10 before discussing how khen works in these examples.
• Let’s look at more ways khen is used in the Bible. When undeserving people cry out for God to be khanun or gracious Psalms 4:1, Psalms 102:12-14 how does God consistently respond (e.g. Psalms 102:17-21, Isaiah 30:18-20)?
• God’s consistent response of grace ultimately leads us to Jesus. So let’s turn to the New Testament, where the Greek word “kharis” is often translated as “grace.” Read John 1:14-17 aloud together in your group. How does Jesus fully embody God’s glorious grace?
• When extraordinary gifts of grace are given, they cannot be experienced unless they are received.
  Ephesians 2:8-9 as well as1 Peter 5:4-7 according to these passages, with what attitude do people receive God’s gift of kharis?
• SPIRITUAL PRACTICE (Google doc version if you would like to use this practice in the future)
  • Dwelling in Worship – Listen to this song and write down the lyrics that are highlighted to you and share with the group after listening.
  • Threads of Grace Journaling – The Hebrew word for “gracious” is “khanun,” which is related to the Hebrew noun “khen.” This word, “khen,” is often translated as “grace,” but it can also be translated as “mercy”. This three step process helps us reflect on God’s grace in our lives.
  • Part 1 – Threads of grace in your life
    • Get out a journal or a piece of paper.
    • Think back over an overview timeline of your life.
    • How have you seen God’s grace in your life?
    • How were you at receiving that grace in each scenario?
      • Was it a struggle? Did it come easily?
    • Reflect on the response you had in each situation.
    • Discuss with your table what this experience was like for you and share what you feel comfortable sharing.

• • Part 2 – Threads of grace with others
    • Looking at your timeline.
    • How have you shown grace to others in your life?
    • When did you choose not to show grace when you could have?
    • What was the result of the scenario when you did or didn’t show grace.
    • Reflect on the response you had in each situation.
    • Discuss with your table what this experience was like for you and share what you feel comfortable sharing.
  • Part 3 – Grace in your life today
    • How is God showing you grace currently in your life?
    • How might you choose to receive God’s grace in this season?
    • Who is God calling you to show grace to currently in your life? (person, or perhaps a situation that involves more than one person)
    • How might you intentionally show grace to others in this season without expecting anything in return?
    • Discuss with your table what this experience was like for you and share what you feel comfortable sharing.