“Starting Point” Part 4: The Rules
January 24 - 30
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Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12
Message Recap
If you were raised in a religious home or attended a religious school, it was probably the rules that made you question whether religion had a place in your future. Perhaps these rules associated with the faith tradition you were raised in made you feel judged. Maybe that faith community ostracized you. Whatever your case, most religious rules run contrary to human nature. And being the human that you are, that’s a problem. In spite of that, all faith systems agree that in order to be in good standing, followers need to keep the rules. But here’s something you may have never considered before. Rules always assume a relationship. And when it comes to God, he established “rules” as a confirmation of a relationship with him, not a condition for a relationship with him.
Main Point
Rules are a confirmation of – not a condition of – a relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection
In general, how do you respond to rules? Do you tend to keep them or break them?
When it comes to God, is it easier for you to see God as a rule maker or a parent with boundaries? Why do you answer this way?
What rules have you assumed are required for a relationship with God? How have these affected you and your faith and view of God?
Read John 1:12. According to this passage, what does it take to become a child of God? Beliefs? Rules? Or something else?
What would change for you and your life if you viewed God as your perfect heavenly father? And how would your life be affected if you viewed his “rules” as something different to benefit you? Would anything change?
Yearly Bible Plan
Monday: Luke 8-9
Tuesday: Luke 10-11
Wednesday: Luke 12-13
Thursday: Luke 14-16
Friday: Luke 17-18
Saturday: Luke 19-20
Sunday: Luke 21-22
To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.