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Loyal Love – What God is Like

May 15, 2023 | 0 comments

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.”

These 5 descriptions of God’s character reveal to us who God has been, is and will be! And you can watch the sermons here:

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:

GOING DEEPER IN A GROUP OR WITH A PARTNER:

  • Opening “Community Time” Question: How would you answer the question, “Where would you like to go on a road trip?”
  • 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 “khesed” combines the ideas of unconditional love, generosity, and enduring commitment. Read Psalms 136
      aloud in your group, with each person using a different translation if possible. How do various translations help you understand the rich meaning of God’s forever enduring khesed?
    • Read Ruth 1:5-19. How does Ruth show khesed to her mother-in-law? How does this example support your understanding of what it means that God has khesed for us?
    • Titus 3:4-7 gives us a good picture of God’s loyal love at work in our world. In this passage, what does it look like when God’s loving character appears?
    • God’s loyal love internally motivates Jesus’ followers to generously share what they’ve been given. What do you think it means for God’s love to be inside of a person (see 2 Corinthians 5:14, John 15:9-13, 1 John 4:16)  How does God’s love affect our actions toward those in need?
    • Take time to discuss other themes or key takeaways from what you read together.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE:

  • Spiritual Practice of Lament
    • Read Psalm 22
  • Writing your own lament following the traditions 6 parts of a lament – think of what is burdening you in your life and in the world and write out the following as modeled in Psalm 22:
    1. Address God
    2. Review God’s Faithfulness in the past
    3. State your complaint
    4. Confess sin or claim innocence
    5. Request Help
    6. Vow to Paise and Trust God
  • Share with your group what that experience was like for you. You don’t need to read your lament, but share what you feel comfortable.
  • Take time to pray together through the 6 steps of lament collectively.