CHURCH ONLINE GUIDE
July 6th
Most Recent Message
Luke // Chapter: 15 - Parables
TAKEAWAY: God's love is relentless and inclusive, always pursuing and valuing each lost soul.
HEAD CHANGE: Understanding our identity as beloved children of God can transform our approach to life.
HEART CHANGE: The parables challenge us to reflect on our own spiritual wanderings and God's unwavering grace when we choose to return.
LIFE CHANGE: Disappointment and offense can be pathways for personal growth when brought to God with honesty and openness.
Parables
The journey into Luke 15 brings us face-to-face with the stark contrast between societal judgment and divine love. Jesus' interaction with tax collectors and sinners highlights a fundamental spiritual lesson: God's love knows no bounds. He illustrates this through the parable of the lost sheep, where leaving 99 sheep to find one lost illustrates a profound spiritual truth—no one is insignificant in God's eyes. This parable invites us to reflect on how we value others and our openness to the message of God's unwavering patience and pursuit of us, regardless of our perceived worth. It challenges us to consider our own role in seeking out the lost and offers an assurance that each of us, no matter how far we've wandered, is cherished and sought after. This profound truth reshapes how we view others and ourselves as part of a broader divine narrative where all are seen, known, and loved by God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How does the parable of the lost sheep challenge our societal perspectives on who is considered valuable or worthy?
- In what ways can we as individuals seek out and embrace those who society has marginalized, following the example of Jesus in Luke 15?
- What does it mean for God's kingdom to be accessible to all, and how should this influence the way we live and interact with others?
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Have you ever experienced a 'dark night of the soul'? How did it transform your understanding of your faith and identity?
PRAYER: Ask God to plant the seeds of these scriptures deeply in your heart and help you embody the teachings in your everyday life.
"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us; emphasizing God's love for the lost."
Romans 5:8
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How does this work?
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What if it's my first time?If you are a guest, we will not embarrass you, have you stand up, or ask you to give money. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for awhile – that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and see if Ethos is home for you.
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What should I wear?Want to wear shorts and a t-shirt? Awesome! Looking to dress up a bit for church? Sounds good to us. At Ethos, you can dress however you feel comfortable.
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Can I attend if I'm ___________?Yes. Fill in the blank with whatever you’re worried about: single, divorced, gay, straight, white, black, addicted, hurting, poor, super-successful, a nonbeliever, atheist, Michigan fan, etc. At Ethos Church, we’ll welcome you as you are. You belong here!
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What about my kids?We love kids! Our facility is clean, safe, and staffed with loving, trained, and background checked servant leaders. We offer a dynamic children’s ministry called Ethos Kids for children from 3 months to 5th grade. (Bale Kenyon location only) When you arrive, you’ll see signage that directs you to our Kids Check-in booth where we will guide you to our kids classrooms and ensure a fun and engaging environment. Your kids will have a blast as they worship, learn biblical teaching, watch videos, meet friends in small groups, and play games. Sundays will be the best part of your child's week.
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What about my middle school student?We are thrilled to share that Ethos is working and preparing to open a middle school room in 2025 during the 10:30am Sunday service on Bale Kenyon Rd. Until the middle school room is open, students are invited to join their parents in the auditorium for service.
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Where do I go when I get there?You’ll be warmly greeted in the parking lot and directed towards the entrance. Once inside, head to the “In This Together” area, and we’ll take it from there!
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What does Ethos mean?The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. Our Ethos is love for all people, in Jesus’ name.