One Another Series: Be at Peace With One Another
Mark 9:33–37, 50
Abby Odio, Pastor of Teaching and Formation, abbyo@churchbcc.org
Jesus encourages his people to be at peace with one another using the rich imagery of salt. As we unpack this metaphor, we discover three truths that guide us in becoming a people at peace with one another:
I. Salt Preserves
II. Salt Disrupts
III. Salt Makes Contact
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
Begin by reading Mark 9:33–37, 50 aloud, taking turns reading the passages.
Pray over the group before beginning discussion.
In recent years, have you experienced the church showing more division and animosity towards one another?
What do you think is causing this?
When Jesus tells us to be at peace with one another, what do you think that means?
What is God’s vision of shalom versus how the world believes it is achieved?
Do you ever find yourself sacrificing Shalom with others in order to accomplish your own agenda? Share that experience.
In what ways do you see that the church has ignored injustice in order to create a false peace?
In what ways have you done this?
In what ways do you see the church fighting what they perceive to be injustice when they should be offering more peace?
In what ways have you done this?
Pastor Abby said, “disruption without keeping our eyes on Jesus’ way, is not holy. It’s being a jerk at best and tyranny at its very worst.” Share a time when you engaged in “disruption” without keeping your eyes on Jesus’ way.
Pastor Abby asked two questions regarding disruption: “Is there a place you feel prompted to disrupt?” and “What might it look like to stay close to God as you lean into that space of disruption?” How do you answer these questions?
LEADERS’S NOTE: We often hear from people that they feel God calling them into a specific place of disruption, but they’re not sure what that looks like for them. If any group members are finding themselves stuck in this place, we’d love for you or them to contact glgroups@churchbcc.org for resources.
Do you ever find yourself engaging in debates online that you wouldn’t address in person?
How can you work towards engaging more in relationship than the issue in that debate?
Share about a time when your perspective on a person or an issue changed once you learned that person’s story or learned the story of someone impacted by that issue.
Take a few moments to pray for one another as to how God might be leading each of you to engage in His vision for peace in the city of Seattle and the world.