Sunday, July 7, 2024

This week, we begin our new series, Transforming a Nation. We will be diving into the book of Titus, which shares a lot of information on how to live out the Gospel.

Because of Christ’s death on the cross we no longer have to live in fear of the future, stay stuck in trauma, or feel like we have to do something to be good enough for God to love us. Instead we can live from Christ’s love, and let the Gospel shape our life because our beliefs will shape our behavior.

Titus 1:2
This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.

Do you believe this?

This week, invite God to open your eyes to areas where he wants to shape your life. Set aside any distractions, close your eyes, take a few slow, deep breaths, and approach the Lord with humility. Consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for sending your Jesus, and his sacrifice on the cross, so we can have a relationship with you. Although I can fall into extremes of being prone to wanting to control the situation or being too permissive, help me instead to live from the truth of the Gospel and let it shape how I live. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Discussion Questions:

• Icebreaker: Share a time when you thought, "How did I get stuck here?"
• How do beliefs shape behavior?
• Read Titus 1:1-2. What do you learn from this passage?
• How does the truth about Jesus shape the way you live?
• In which area of your life do you find it most challenging to be shaped by the truth? What is one step you can take toward living a Gospel-shaped life in this area?

Series Theme Verse:

Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”

Today’s post was written by Kelly Pagel, the Director of LivingItOut.