day one { selflessness }

What is your definition of “selflessness” and how have you seen this quality demonstrated in the lives of others? If you did an evaluation of your own life where would you think you would fall on a continuum of 1 to 10 if “one represents being totally self-centered and ten is selflessness? A major challenge in a “ME FIRST – LOOK AT ME” society that we live in … is how is it possible for us to consider buying-in to a such a strange idea as “selflessness?” What are some scriptures that you can find that would give us some perspective on this?

day two { second fiddle }

What is the common definition of the term “second fiddle” mean in society? What does the term playing “second fiddle” mean in your life? Pastor Welsh used the illustration of second violin in an orchestra as being the most difficult to play because, while it was easy to find those who wanted to play first violin, finding someone to capably play second violin was very difficult. What are some applications this could have as we live out our Christian lives? Read Ephesians 2:1-10 to get Paul’s perspective on the privilege of God’s grace to transform our lives for service to Him! Read also Titus 2:11-15 and the response God desires in response to His grace! In light of this what would the idea of “second fiddle” mean in your life?

day three { bringing others to Christ }

How urgent is it for Christians to bring others to Christ? If you woke up in the middle of the night smelling smoke and you looked out the window and saw your neighbor’s house burning down, your action would be to alert them as soon as possible and hope for their rescue! Many Christians fail to deal with the fact that unless a person has come to a belief in Jesus Christ as Savior that they will be condemned to eternal hell at their time of accountability. The Lord wants to use you to change people’s lives for eternity! Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” That one and only narrow gate is Jesus Christ! We have a responsibility and privilege of sharing His eternity with others!

 

day four { family }

Where do you think would be the best place to start introducing people to Jesus? Pastor Welsh shared that “If you wish to introduce someone to Jesus, you might find the best prospects in your own family.” How important is it for us to be faithful to the family in which God has placed us? This is our first real spiritual training ground which God uses to shape, form, humble, and prepare us for His work in the world. What are some of the reasons it is so easy to ignore God’s Word in relation to those closest to us and to look to other areas of “being a Christian?”

day five { attitudes }

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to reaching the unchurched?
How do you respond to Pastor Welsh’s statement “The primary obstacle in outreach is not the attitude of the unchurched toward us. The primary obstacle is the attitude of the Church towards them!” What is the common excuse for not being actively concerned for those who are not saved? What would counter the pressures we face in our lives to live oblivious to the spiritual needs of others? What are some scriptures that could help us hear the Lord’s perspective on these important areas? Is there someone that you would like to introduce to Jesus?

 

a word from the writers

This daily devotional and a weekly bible study for Life Groups that coincides with the current sermon is also available on the church website:  ccc.org.  We loved to hear your comments or suggestions.  Email the writing team at lampr@ccc.org.

 

To download a PDF of this week's daily devotional, click here.

To view the Life Lessons for this sermon series click on the logo to the left.

 

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