Many of our Meal Groups are midway through Shane Claiborne's book. The responses I've been hearing areas follows:
- "I can't put this book down. I love it and hate it!"
- "This is unrealistic!"
- "Ah, if he had kids he wouldn't be saying this."
- "How can I make this practical?"
Well, this Sunday night's text actually speaks a bit to all of this. We will be studying the stories of the feeding of the 5000 and the feeding of the 4000 in Matthew 14 and 15. In the stories Jesus tells his disciples to feed the crowds. They think he's nuts. His plan is unrealistic. His response? Bring me what you have and I will multiply it. It's an amazing study and I can't wait to dig into it with you.
In addition, my Meal Group last night had a very interesting time with the discussion guide I created for Shane's chapter 6. It was so fascinating I thought I'd post it for our discussion here.
Chapter 6:
Shane
speaks of an economics of the Kingdom of God in chapter 6.
- How might the two greatest commandments (love of God and love of neighbor, Matt. 7.12-14) affect the spending habits of those living under the “rule and reign of Christ?”
- Read the passage and discuss why John would tie repentance so closely to money and possessions.
- Read Isaiah 58:6-12. Why would God’s guidance and blessing be so tied to giving people what they need.
- If the people of God are God's priestly representatives (Exodus 19:5 and 1 Peter 2:9), what do our spending habits say about our King?
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