AMA: When the Church Goes AWOL- Week 2 / Pastor Jeff Struecker

Big Idea: We are other-focused in everything.  I. Are we hiding our salt in the salt shaker? Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. II. Are we practicing Christian idolatry? Isaiah 1: 13-17 Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies— I cannot stand iniquity with a festival. I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to me; I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause. III. Are we practicing Christian love?  Titus 3:4-8 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. Next Steps: Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.Become: I will become part of the 100% this week.Be Sent: I will work toward 50% this week. Discussion Questions: What does it look like to “lose our salty taste” today?What truths about myself am I most motivated to avoid seeing?Where does God need to grow love in your heart this week?Do you criticize the church's failures yet secretly excuse them in your own life?Is there a need in your neighborhood our church can meet?Who in your life needs to be connected to or reconnected to Jesus?Pray for them by name this week.