Our Resurrection Weekend services begin with our Good Friday Evening Gathering, March 29 at 7:00 pm, and conclude with our regular Sunday activities on Resurrection Sunday Morning, March 31!

Carefully Think

  • Read Matthew 18:21-35. What is the main idea of this passage? Write it out in one sentence.
  • In light of Matthew 18:15-20, what would motivate Peter to ask the question he does in 18:21?
  • Why would Peter suggest "seven times" for forgiveness? What was Jesus' response? What did Jesus mean by his response?
  • Read the parable in 18:23-35 again in light of Peter's question. How does this parable connect to Jesus' answer to Peter's question?
  • How much is a "talent" worth? A denarii? What is the difference between the two amounts?
  • What is the difference between the first slave and his fellow slave's appeal for patience in repaying the debt? What is the difference between the responses of the King and the first slave?
  • Why were the fellow slaves so grieved at the response of the first slave?
  • What does Jesus say our response to this parable should be?

Prayerfully Meditate

  • What makes repeated forgiveness most difficult for us?
  • What does the parable suggest should motivate us to be forgiving toward our brothers and sisters in Christ?
  • What sorts of sins against us would not be included in the forgiveness advocated by Jesus and this parable?
  • How could you cultivate a heart that could forgive in the way Jesus calls kingdom people to forgive?

Intentionally Act

  • Who do struggle extending forgiveness toward? Why? How does it manifest itself? What does withholding complete forgiveness suggest about how you view your own sins against God?
  • Do you need to confess anything to God as a result of meditating upon this passage? What kind of thanksiving could you express to God for what he has forgiven you already?
  • How could this passage encourage you to pray for our congregation? For those who do not know Christ?
  • Pray for non-Christians to be convicted of sin and drawn to the glory of Christ this Sunday through all that takes place.
  • Pray that those who lead the service will edify the body in the most helpful ways: Dawson Bryant, music; Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
  • Listen to the music we will sing together. Meditate on the message of each song. Prepare yourself to sing with understanding and zeal.

Songs for Sunday

Lyrics

Morning Gathering - December 21, 2014