READ

Zephaniah 2-3

Psalm 117

Sunday Sermon

The sermon on Sunday, May 4, is on John 8:48-58. To prepare your heart and mind for the worship gathering, read this passage beforehand.

PRAY

Romans 13:1

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”

Pray for our country and governing officials. Pray that they would rule justly and do what is right and good for all. Pray for the conversion of lost governing officials, that they would experience a true heart change, repent, and turn to Christ. Pray for peace in our country amid the sharp divisions. Ask God to give you peace regardless of political circumstances and to help you “be subject” to the governing authorities, always standing firm in the truth, but with Christlikeness, with all “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

You can also take some time bring these things before the Lord.

• Confess your sins.
• The Lost
• The Church
• Your Needs

Faith Groups

• How does verse 51 NOT contradict the New Testament concept of “justification by faith alone”?
• In what sense will a keeper of Jesus’ words “never see death”?
• Discuss all the ways the Jewish leaders are wrong in verses 52-53.
• What is the significance of Jesus’ final statement in this passage (v.58)? And how do we know for certain the claim Jesus is making?
• What are some ways to apply this passage in our everyday lives?

Sing

This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham