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This week’s theme: Unrighteous Judgment
This week we explore grace. The chances we get to offer grace are rare in today’s society. The world runs on judgement and reciprocation instead of caring and forgiveness. Jesus taught that we are not in a position to judge others, but that we should instead be ever-ready to extend grace.
This week’s Scripture Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Questions to ponder:
- What does the parable teach about the difference between self-righteousness and true humility?
- How can we avoid becoming self-righteous in our own spiritual walk?
- How does acknowledging our weaknesses help us understand our need for grace?
- How can we show God’s grace to others who are suffering?
- How would the world be different without God’s grace? What are practical ways to let others know about God’s grace?
This week’s bulletin