Grace At Fort Clarke Podcast

We’ve all done it. Everybody does. Every day. We speak about somebody who is not present, whether we are complaining, cursing or casting them in a bad light. Though we are taught not to speak evil of any person, we do. But where are those who refuse to talk bad of others? At all? Jesus gives us plain instruction on how to deal with those who have hurt us, and as we follow his method, we will be cured of talking badly about anyone. Ever. Again. QUESTIONS • Have you ever learned another person spoke about you behind your back? How did that feel? What did that do to your relationship?  • Do you speak negatively about others when they are not present? Why? What makes it feel justifiable to do so? • How did this message make you feel? Does Jesus know what he’s talking about when it comes to dealing with the person who has hurt you? • Have you ever followed these steps? How did it turn out? • What will you do going forward instead of speaking evil of others? How can you honor God—and the person who hurt you

Too often we find ourselves stuck in our walk with Christ, failing to move beyond where we are, due to something we have all but forgotten is basic to the spiritual life. Self-denial. Saying no to our desires, when they compete with what God wants for us. We know dieting is difficult. So is gossiping. Though the world and even our own nature cannot be depended upon to help us in this discipline, God wants to develop people learning to live as Jesus did, putting petty (and ungodly) desires to death in order to live free for him. QUESTIONS: • Do you feel you practice Self-denial pretty well? Consistently? What about Self-control? Where do you struggle in this area? • How does this message make you feel? Do you wonder whether this is truly the path God has for those who follow Jesus? Why or why not? • If you were able to incorporate Self-denial into your daily decisions, what do you believe the outcome could be for you? What do you think God is wanting to do in your life through denying yourself, taking up your

The times we live in are extremely challenging. It’s easier to fire off a tweet calling out somebody or canceling them altogether than to come together to discuss crucial matters. Nations are rising up against their leaders. Coronavirus has changed everything for all of us. The future seems uncertain, at best, terrifying, at worst. But God knows all this. And he is forging a way forward with his people. For our good and his glory. Joshua reminded God’s people they had never been this way before but God would not abandon them. He is saying the same to us today. QUESTIONS • How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your level of anxiety or uncertainty? On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about its impact in your life or the life of a loved one? • What is your reaction when people mention systemic racism, white privilege, or racial disparities? How are you managing these difficult conversations on sensitive subject matters? • How has God shown his faithfulness in past challenges you faced? Do you have

America is founded upon the Judeo-Christian principle that no person should ever exist under the tyranny of another person, people or government. It’s a message that all people should be free. Likewise, God sent his son, Jesus, to set you and me free. Free from past failures, present strife, guilt and shame, even from fear—especially the fear of death. Do you know this freedom? You can. It is in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. And it is given freely. QUESTIONS • What is it about being an American you value most? Would the world be a better place if every person enjoyed the things you appreciate that your country affords you? • What is it about being a Christ-follower you value most? • Have you been set free from something through God’s power in your life? Can you describe what happened? How do you feel being free from that? • What is it you believe God wants to set you free from currently? Is this something you believe he can—and wants—to do in your life? What do you believe he wants you to do to