Hector Ortiz
Connections Pastor
God has always wanted to commune with us at the table—the invitation is always open.
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Mankind was made to have an authentic, living-in-truth relationship with God. Yet, we sometimes have a hard time coming to the table, sitting before God, being honest and truthful with Him, and being genuine. Communion is an opportunity for transparency. It is a place to be vulnerable with God, to come clean about life. “Come, let us reason together, says the Lord.” Will you come to the table?
Scripture References from the Sermon
- Isaiah 1:18a
- Genesis 3
- Genesis 4:7
- Genesis 4:9-16
- Isaiah 40:1-3
- Isaiah 54:9-10
- Colossians 1:20-22
- Hebrews 10:10-17
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
- 1 John 4:17-19
Discussion Questions
- Do you find it difficult to commune with God at times? Why or why not?
- Pastor Hector mentioned three things that sometimes keep us from coming to the table: attempting to hide from God, blaming God for the consequences of our sins, and being afraid of God.
Discuss these reasons and their remedies.
If you’re willing to be vulnerable, give examples of times that one of these things has kept you from moving towards God. - We live in a performance-based world. You get what you earn. How do you fight against the temptation to view our faith through a performance-based lens?
- Is there a difference between fearing God and being afraid of God? Discuss.
- Read Hebrews 10:17. What does this mean? How could this affect your way of living and interacting with God and others?
- Read 1 John 4:17-19. What might it look like to be bold in your context? To be without fear? What can we do to counteract our tendency towards fear?
- What will you do, or how will you be different, because of this message?