The Church of Adullam

Feb. 5 notes and study questions "The Church of Adullam" Rev. Chris Raker Key texts: 1Sa 22:1-2; Lk10:25-37 -Who are 3D people? -How does the Cave of Adullam answer the question, "Who should we serve?" -How does Jesus' discussion of birds of different feathers address this question? Mt 13:31-32 -Were you surprised by the variety of people Jesus reached out to as recorded in the Gospel of Luke? 1. Rich Zaccheus 19:7 Joseph of Arimathea 23:50-53 2. Poor 2:7-8 - Mary & Joseph & shepherds 7:11f - widow of Nain 7:22 - the Gospel is preached to the poor 14:15-24 - Parable: snubbing guests, invitation given to poor 16:19f - Rich Man & Lazarus 3. Jews and Religious Leaders >2 8:41 - Jairus (official of the syagogue 7:36; 9:37; 14:1 - Pharisees 4. Romans - Centurion 7:6 5. Slaves - Centurion’s Slave 7:2 6. Samaritans 10:25-37 - Parable: Good Samaritan 17:16 - Samaritan leper 7. Women Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary & Martha 7:11ff - widow of Nain 7:37 - Woman who anointed His feet 8:1-3 - women followers of Jesus, 23:27 - Weeping women of Jerusalem Parables: lost coin 15:8; unjust judge 18:1; widow’s mite 211-4 8. Children 8:55 - Jairus’ daughter 18:15-17 - blessing of children 9. Unclean 17:11 lepers 10. Sinners and Outcasts 5:27-32 - Levi and his friends 7:37-50 - woman who anoints feet 17:16 - Samaritan leper 15:1 - “Now all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him.” 15:11-32 - Prodigal Son 18:9-14 - Pharisee and tax 19:7 - Zaccheus 23:43 - thief on the cross Summary: Lk 19:10 - “The Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.” -How comfortable are you with being a part of a messy church? -Jesus uses a Samaritan as an example of a good neighbor for four reasons. Culturally, ethnically, religiously different and enemies. -What people groups are you not comfortable to reach? -What do you think of the Coventry Cathedral Welcome? Could CCC adopt such a statement? COVENTRY CATHEDRAL WELCOME We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, straight, gay, confused, well-heeled or down-at-heel. We especially welcome wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You're welcome here if you're just browsing, just woken up or just got out of prison. We don't care if you're more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury or haven't been to church since Christmas 10 years ago. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome keep-fit moms, football dads, starving artists, tree huggers, latte sippers, vegetarians, junk food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you're having problems, are down in the dumps or don't like organized religion. We're not that keen on it either. We offer welcome to those who think the Earth is flat, work too hard, don't work, can't spell, or are here because Granny is visiting and wanted to come to the cathedral. We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throats as kids or got lost on the Ring Road and wound up here by mistake. We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters and you. -Does the following seem like a good principle for church life? Serve all => welcome all => disciple all. -What do you think of the concept of indiscriminant love? How would that flesh out in your life? In the life of this church? -As you've listened to these two talks what is God saying to you? Who is Jesus asking you to reach out to? Who are you challenged to welcome in? -What next steps should you take? For further discussion: ...one night in northern Uganda. At that time, the Lord’s Resistance Army was still [active], and children slept in “night commuter” camps to stay alive and to avoid being captured and tortured into becoming child soldiers. This particular night, as every night, hundreds of children came to sleep together in the rough of an empty school. Only one adult was present, a middle-aged woman, available to help and comfort any who might have need. Her husband and children were at their home a few blocks away. She explained that she came each night as a volunteer to be of help. I asked her why she was doing this. She talked about the children’s need and her desire to do what she could under such difficult circumstances and in the face of such fears. Still wanting to know more, I pressed, “But what motivates you to care? Why do you do it?” She looked me up and down and finally said, “Well, I am what you call a Christian. I read my Bible every day, and every week I go to a church where we eat something called the Lord’s Supper. I can’t imagine doing those things all my life and not coming here. Where else would it lead?” CT J/F 2017 “More Than a Plain Reading” Mark Labberton (president of Fuller Seminary)