GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER ● Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present give time to getting to know each other. ● Possibly listen to ‘Lead me to the cross’ by Hillsong United ● Pray that God would open our eyes to have a greater revelation of who He is. FOCUS Our series ‘The Good and the Beautiful’ is based on three books by James Bryan Smith. Our focus throughout May on the first book 'The Good and Beautiful God’, challenges us to unpack God’s character and discover how this knowledge impacts both who we are and how we live. SETTING THE SCENE Ever since creation (recorded in Genesis), humanity has become tragically disconnected from God. And for many of the people in the scriptures who encounter God, they respond with fear. Isaiah was overwhelmed in a vision of the Lord and cried “Woe to me!” (Isaiah 6:5) Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8) God’s powerful holiness shone like the sun, too bright for any to look into. Yet Jesus declared to Peter “Don’t be afraid,” for he was making a new way into fellowship with Him. He would sacrifice everything. For while the wages of sin was death, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). This is amazing grace! OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Question: When have you ever heard something that you thought was too good to be true? Read: Philippians 2:5-11 Read this short passage from several different translations. ● What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as we read this passage? ● What questions does this passage leave you wondering about? ● What truths do we discover about God in this rich description of Jesus? ● How do these verses challenge, help or encourage you in your life, thinking and attitudes as you look to the example of Jesus? LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD ● Is there a new truth from this passage on which you can meditate to renew your mind in Christ? ● What actions of greater humility and love does this passage encourage you to grow in? PRAYER ● Silently reflect on the self-sacrificing example of perfect love by Jesus ● Pray that those who are hungry for grace could meet Jesus Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au