Are You in Touch With Your World?
Does Your Walk End In Church?
Notes from a session led by John VC

Activity

Let’s consider five scenarios

1. A dam has to be built, that will be a boon to the population for years to come. However, the construction of this dam would displace the tribals living in that area for decades. You are a non-christian organisation in charge of deciding whether or not the dam should be built. How would you decide?

2. You’re part of a school board faced with a decision. Should your school allow kids below the poverty-line to study along with the ‘normal’ well-to-do kids already in your school. How would you respond, being a non-christan?

3. The US government has hiked visa rates. You are a company that places talent in the US. A christian company. What measures would you take so that you don’t lose money?

4. You’re the leader of a hardcore rock band. A member of your band recently became a christian. How would you react? Would you be comfortable having him in your band?

5. As housewives, and people who live in residential complexes, how much of an effort do we make to reach out and connect? Do we know anything about our neighbours? Do we seek out to enrich their lives? Or do we engage more easily in idle talk and harmful gossip than we do in building up lives of people around us? Discuss.

What can one take away from this?

On a personal front, we need to be more conscious of our world today. We should be active in our walk in the midst of society.

Where is your mission field?

Practical Steps

• Collect two newspaper clippings that moved your heart when you saw them.
• Go speak to someone in your neighborhood; small talk or otherwise. Make an effort; take the first step.

(Photo by Cayusa)

Captivated by Grace; Not Enslaved by Law
Notes from a Bible Study led by John VC

Reference: Galatians 4:1-11

The passage talks about Paul’s concern for the Galatians. Galatians were mainly gentiles who were influenced by Judaism, making their walk ritualistic. Paul was trying to put across the distinction of their lives being governed by the Law as opposed to being governed by Grace.

Governed by the Law

The laws specify the Dos and Don'ts. They’re oppressive by nature – the Law is something which is followed by people under bondage, who are always fearful of breaking it.

How can we be good Christians?

By attending church which helps us in our day to day walk? By partaking in the communion? Listening to gospel music? Forgiving one another?

While these things are important, they pale in comparison to the primary purpose of being a Christian – following Christ.

Governed by Grace

We are recognized children of God. We can discern between what’s right and wrong; given that we have access to the law. An attitude of Love is involved.

Our walk is governed by Grace; knowing we are already victors in Christ. When God looks at us he sees Jesus. However, being human, we see nothing but imperfection.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Our old self doesn’t let go. An internal battle is being waged between our old selves and our renewed selves. The Bible says that God has long forgotten our past misdeeds. All we need to do is confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We must stop trying and allow God to work in us.

We no longer need to be afraid of the law, but enjoy the freedom of knowing that even if we go against the law and, we are governed by Grace.

Are we living in victory? Stop striving and allow God to step in.

Is our walk governed by the confidence in Grace or the fear of the Law?

(Photo by kanneda99)