RIVERSIDE BLOG

Post Author: Tim Chilvers

Tim Chilvers is the Senior Pastor at Riverside Church.
June 5, 2022
The Story of US | S6: Faith In An Age Of Public Difference

Teaching Series Introduction:

According to a study from University College London, nearly a quarter of us have experienced a complete breakdown in a significant relationship during the pandemic. Friendships have been stretched; families have been fractured; romances have struggled. Yes, over the last 2 years many of us know that our relationships have taken a serious hit.

This important teaching series is all about those relationships. Rooted in the biblical book of Proverbs, this is a chance to reflect, rebuild and refresh all our relationships in this post-pandemic world.

You may find it helpful to download and take our Relationships Healthcheck alongside this teaching series.

‘The crisis of Covid has distanced us from each other. We see anew how far apart we are. The result must be a new way to bring us together.’
(Jon Yates)

SESSION 6:
Faith In An Age Of Public Difference

BY: Tim Chilvers
DATE: Sunday 5 June 2022
BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
Proverbs (Chapter 3, verse 27)
1 Thessalonians (Chapter 4, verses 1-12)

What does it mean to be Christians in relationship with people who don’t share your faith? On this Platinum Jubilee weekend – as the nation celebrates the Queen’s 70-year reign – she is someone who seems to have a personal faith in a role that represents a diverse public. How do Christians live out their values without judgement or compromise?

Watch Online: Church At Home

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Watch Online

Children’s & Youth Resources:

These resources will be used within the various groups in-person on a Sunday morning. This means that if you are unable to attend one of our Sunday Gatherings, you can still study and follow along with the same material at a time that is best for you. However you study, we encourage you to engage with your group as much as possible. If you would like to know about how you can get connected with our children’s or youth groups please contact us, we would love to hear from you.

Youth Resources

This Weeks Youth Video:

Children’s Resources

This weeks Children’s Video:

Bible Study Questions:

There are two different sets of questions for you to use, whether you are exploring the Bible within your Life Group, in other group settings, or simply using them on your own.

A. DISCUSSION STARTERS

These are simple questions to provoke discussion together out of the talk (ideal if you are watching our Sunday Service online with others in your group):

1) Was there anything that particularly helped you during the talk?

2) Was there anything that you didn’t necessarily agree with, or found difficult to understand in the talk?

3) RESPONSE QUESTION. As a result of the talk, what:

a. Changes do you want to see?

b. Truths do you need to remember?

c. Actions do you need to take?

B. QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE

These are questions that are based on the talk and the surrounding themes:

 

1) What difference do you think Christians should make in society?

2) Read Proverbs 3:27. What do you make of it? How would you apply it to your life?

3) Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. What does it mean to live a life that ‘pleases God’ (v1) rather than just to please self or others? Can you give some examples in your life?

4) What is God’s will according to v3-8? Why is it so significant that he talks about ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ in (v6)?

5) What might be the link between ‘loving each other’ and leading a ‘quiet life’? (v11)

6) What do you think it looks like to have an ‘ambition’ to lead a quiet life and ‘minding your own business’? Why do you think we find this so difficult in our society?

7) Take some time to pray, asking that God would help you live a life that pleases him. Pray for opportunities to live in such a way that wins the ‘respect of outsiders’ (v12).

N.B. If you haven’t already done so, you may like to take our Relationships Healthcheck as part of this teaching series, to help you reflect on your relationships.

 

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Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common, our discovery of God and his amazing love. 

We are on a journey together to ‘help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers’. 

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