11/24 Sermon Discussion Questions 

Sermon Recap:

• In the conclusion to our Bridge Inspection series, Pastor Suzanne invited us to imagine what would happen if in a real bridge, major cracks were found but not repaired.
• Wisdom is found in hearing Jesus’ words and acting on them.  When we hear Jesus’ words and don’t act on them, Jesus calls that foolish and it can end in destruction.
• She explored reasons why people might avoid repairing their bridges, including the cost in time and resources, the inconvenience to others, the need to admit weakness, and the temptation to engage in magical thinking and hope problems will resolve themselves.
• If you want to make lasting change, you have to examine what you think, your patterns of behavior and who you interact with – otherwise known as the transformation triangle (James Bryan Smith).  When we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and helps us with this work.
• When you are tempted to give up, recall that God loves bridges - sending his only son Jesus to rebuild the bridge to relationship with you.

Questions for Reflection:

• If you didn’t get a copy of the Next Steps booklet, click here to see the pdf version now.
• Look over the 2-page assessment for the three bridges: our bridge to God, to self, and to others.  Prayerfully fill it out if you haven’t yet.
• Spend time discerning which bridge God is inviting you to focus on.  See the booklet for questions that can help you with this work.
• Once you have decided, share your intention with the Pastors by clicking here. Sharing your decision allows the pastors to pray for you, help make sure there are appropriate resources available and often helps encourage us to action.

Spend time prayerfully looking through the resources that are offered for the winter and make a plan for a next step.