Helena First
Discussion Guide

Our Circle is Open

Pastor Paul Feuerstein
|
September 15, 2024

Main Idea

The central theme of Pastor Paul's message was the significance of maintaining an open relational circle within our church community. He highlighted that Echo Church strives to echo Jesus' story of hope and forgiveness by welcoming everyone, regardless of their background. By sharing stories of Jesus and Saul, Pastor Paul illustrated that an open circle not only aligns with Jesus' teachings but also fosters a thriving church environment. He urged us to overcome fear and prejudice, to step out of our comfort zones, and to embrace the diversity that God brings into our lives.

Scripture References

Mark 9:38-41, Acts 9:26, Acts 9:27, Psalm 133:1-2, Acts 9:28-30, Acts 9:31

When was the last time you stepped outside your relational comfort zone and took a risk?

Whoever is not against us is for us, and even a simple act like giving a cup of water in Jesus' name will not go unrewarded.

How can we actively work to keep our relational circles open to new people at church?

Discussion Questions:

What fears might be holding us back from welcoming others into our community, and how can we overcome them?

Can you share a time when someone welcomed you into their circle and how it impacted your faith journey?

How can we follow Barnabas' example and be a 'but' in someone's story, helping them connect with the community?

To see what no one else can see, you must be willing to do what no one else is willing to do.

Summary

Last week at Echo Church, we embarked on a new series called 'This is Us,' which aims to introduce us to the church's unique personality and equip us to lead others to life in Jesus. Pastor Paul Feuerstein emphasized the importance of keeping our relational circles open, just as the early followers of Jesus did, despite their struggles. He shared two biblical stories to illustrate this point: one about Jesus' inclusive circle that welcomed even those outside His immediate group, and another about Saul's transformation and the initial rejection he faced from the disciples due to fear. Pastor Paul encouraged us to resist the temptation to close off our circles and to follow the example of Jesus and Barnabas by welcoming and including others.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Take Jesus' name for yourself, recognizing Him as the gatekeeper and the only way into the community of faith.

Move your eyes outside your circle at church, ensuring no one is left alone, and take the loving risk of reaching out this week.

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