The Bible 20/20 - Week 43: “The Power of the Gospel”

This Sunday we started a series that will last several weeks as we begin to read through the NT letters to the church. There is a huge need in our day for the church to rediscover the power of God in our midst. This week as we work through Paul’s letter to the Romans, we explore the power of the gospel - how we have gotten off track, and how we ought to respond to God and see hope come to a world in desperate need. Discussion Questions: 1. What stood out to you from last week’s reading in Romans? Any thoughts to share or any questions? 2. What stood out to you from the sermon this week? Any thoughts or questions? 3. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul is describing a culture that has rejected God, and what that produces. Looking at that passage what ways have the church in America allowed the broken culture around us to permeate the church? What should the church’s response be to the culture around us? 4. In Romans 2, Paul goes on to highlight the issue of God’s people judging others, being hypocrites, and settling for outward religion instead of a real genuine relationship with God. Has the church in America struggled with these? If so, what have the effects been on the church and the world around us? 5. How does the gospel offer hope for the church? What does the culture around us need in order to experience real hope and change? What can we do personally to see the power of the gospel have more of an impact on our generation? (See: Romans 2:4 & Romans 5:1-5) 6. Consider Romans 5:1-5, then discuss: Why is it so important to have faith that can endure in suffering? What can that faith do in our own lives to help us in hard times? How can that help us be carriers of the gospel to a world in need? 7. Take some time of reflection - share only if you feel comfortable: Is there anything Jesus is showing you from this sermon that needs to adjust in your life? Maybe a place where you have allowed the culture to influence you too much, or perhaps you are struggling with judging others or one of the other warnings from Romans 2.