INTRODUCTION
At the start of a new year, many of us make resolutions with the intention of making this year better than the last. We want to get in shape, get out of debt, or get organized. And these are great, but what if this year we focused our energy outside ourselves on something bigger--something global? In this session we'll discuss the opportunity we have to influence the world around us when we become engaged cross-culturally.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- In what ways are you engaged in what is going on in the world?
- As the apostle Paul headed out into the world spreading the message of Jesus to the Gentiles, the Jews in Jerusalem simply asked him to remember the poor. Read Galatians 2:7-10. What are the opportunities that we have to help the poor in other cultures?
- Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-3. What can we learn from Paul's instructions about collecting money for the poor?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-11 and verse 24. Why should we be engaged cross-culturally in the world?
- What does our generosity say about our faith (2 Cor 8:7)? What message does it send to those around us?
- As a group, how will you engage in what God is doing around the world this year? (Ex. Your group could pray for a specific short-term trip. Your group could raise money to support a short-term trip. Your group could go on a short-term trip together.)
THINK ABOUT IT
Pray this week about your involvement in what God is doing globally this year. Specifically, pray through the list of short-term trips at www.goglobalx.org and ask what God would have you do?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
How will you play an active part in what God is doing in the world? Will you give to help make a short-term trip possible, or will you go on a short-term trip?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7