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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

We\\u2019re continuing our Lenten church-wide sermon series, \\u201cNo Wonder They Crucified Him.\\u201d Last week we shared that it was time to \\u201cGet off the Fence.\\u201d How is that working for you? What changes have you made in your daily life that allowed you to be \\u201call in\\u201d for God? Share with your group.

1. This morning we are digging a little deeper into what God\\u2019s grace is really about. Do you see grace as only a means of getting to heaven? How else do you see grace?

2. Think about this statement from Dallas Willard: \\u201cGrace is God acting supernaturally in us. It is God joining us to His concert, moving us to His music, giving us a song to sing and instruments to play with one another.\\u201d Do you agree? How can you or do you relate to this statement? What kind of an impact does grace have on your life?

3. How can we be diligent in our daily spiritual disciplines or our holy habits without allowing them to become a way to earn God\\u2019s favor as opposed to building a better relationship with God? Is there a difference?

4. This question was taken from the study, \\u201cNo Wonder They Crucified Him.\\u201d Read the following case studies and discuss how each person could be acting either to earn God\\u2019s favor or out of joy for God\\u2019s grace in his or her life. What might help that person to determine their motivation?

- Cheryl volunteers at the local homeless shelter.
- Johann spends two hours a day in prayer.
- Rachel has memorized all of the Epistles.
- Bradley fasts once a week.

5. What does the verse \\u201cFor with the measure you use, it will be measured to you\\u201d mean to you regarding judging, condemning, forgiving and giving? What changes might you want to make in your life in light of this Biblical truth, and why?

Prayer of the Week:

Dear Lord, as I read your Word, the teachings often seem so easy to read, but so very hard to live out. Please renew my heart and mind so that it does not judge or condemn others, but only thinks thoughts of love and kindness. With you, Lord, all things are possible. Amen.