VISION WEEK 1 - SALT AND LIGHT

NOTE: if you haven’t done the ‘First week back’ study from last week because you started with a social, you may want to go back and do that with your groups before moving forward.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Weekend away is just one month away! Check that your group has registered!


Opening Question:
"I am not religious, so it is not my place to dictate to Christians what they should and should not believe. Still, if someone has a faith worth following, I feel that their beliefs should make me feel uncomfortable for not doing so. If they share 90 percent of my lifestyle and values, then there is nothing especially inspiring about them. Instead of making me want to become more like them, it looks very much as if they want to become more like me”

-BEN SIXSMITH

What do you think about this observation? Do you think this is true of much of the church today?

Read Matthew 5:13-15

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Discuss in pairs: What stands out to you from this passage?

What would it look like for the church to lose its saltiness?

What makes it hard for you to be a noticeable presence as a christian in your workplace/ family/ friendship group?

What are some ways that we as a church could ‘shine a light’ in such a ways that others would notice our good deeds?

Do you feel a personal conviction to seek to share the Gospel with those around you? Why/ Why not?

Pray in smaller groups:
Who in your life can we be praying for? What opportunities do you currently have to share the gospel with those around you?