Week of 2/1/26: Sent to Reconcile

SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Created and Called
Weekly Theme: Be the Church - Sent to Reconcile
Sermon Text: Acts 2:42-47
Primary Reading: Acts 20-24
Secondary Reading: Genesis 37-43
Memory Verses (Through February 14th): 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
[26] For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
[27] But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
[28] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
[29] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 

1 | Theme Reflection - “Sent to Reconcile”
The Church is not a refuge from the world but a witness within it.
Grace that reconciles us to God also sends us toward others.

In Genesis 37–43, Joseph’s story unfolds through betrayal, slavery, and forgiveness. What others meant for harm, God reworks into salvation.

In Acts 20–24, Paul lives that same rhythm - misunderstood, imprisoned, yet continually proclaiming peace through the gospel. Both Joseph and Paul embody reconciliation: suffering servants turned agents of grace.

To Be the Church - Sent to Reconcile is to live as people whose very presence repairs what sin has broken. We carry the ministry of reconciliation by imitation of Christ - the One who crossed every divide to bring us home.

2 | Daily Reading Rhythm  

3 | Practice of the Week - The Bridge Prayer
Reconciliation begins with prayer.
Think of one relationship - personal, professional, or within your neighborhood - that feels strained or distant.
Each day this week, pray:  “Lord Jesus, make me a bridge, not a barrier. Teach me to love as You have loved me. Help me seek peace, not position.”
If possible, take one small action toward restoration: a text, a kind word or a prayer for blessing. Reconciliation starts in the heart before it reaches the hands.

4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the act of God restoring broken relationship between Himself and humanity through Jesus Christ.
By His death and resurrection, Christ removes hostility and creates peace - first vertically (with God) and then horizontally (with one another).
Those who are reconciled become reconcilers
This doctrine reshapes community life: forgiveness replaces revenge, humility replaces pride and unity replaces division.
To live reconciled is to live cruciform - shaped by the cross that brought us near.

5 | Missional Focus - Carriers of Peace
The gospel of reconciliation is not confined to church walls; it walks on our feet. Wherever you go this week - your workplace, home or daily routine - remember that you are sent as a carrier of reconciliation.
Ask God:  “Who needs to experience Your grace through me this week?”
Pray for one person by name. Look for opportunities to bring reconciliation where there is tension, encouragement where there is discouragement and truth where there is confusion.
You are sent not to win arguments, but, by the Spirit, to win hearts.

6 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Readings
      1. How does Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers foreshadow the gospel’s message of reconciliation?
      2. What similarities do you see between Joseph’s imprisonment and Paul’s trials? How do both point to God’s greater purpose?
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 2 : 42 – 47)
      1. How does the early Church model reconciliation through community life, generosity, and shared worship?
      2. What habits or rhythms from Acts 2 might help us live as reconciling people today?
From Personal Reflection
      1. Where is God inviting you to take the first step toward reconciliation?
      2. How have you seen forgiveness bring unexpected healing - in your own life or in others’?
From Community Life
      1. What would it look like for our group to be known for bringing people together rather than taking sides?
      2. How might we practice reconciliation together in our city or neighborhood this month?
Questions for Children
      1. What does it mean to “make peace” like Jesus does?
      2. How did Joseph show forgiveness to his brothers?
      3. Why is forgiving others sometimes hard?
      4. How can we ask God to help us forgive?
      5. What’s one way you can show kindness to someone who hurt your feelings this week?

7 | Closing Prayer
God of mercy and reconciliation,
You have made peace with us through the blood of Your Son.
Teach us to carry that same peace into our homes, our friendships, and our world.
Jesus, make us bridges of Your grace.
Spirit, soften what is hardened and restore what is broken.
Let our lives proclaim Your reconciling love until all things are made new.
Amen.