Reality at Our Doorstep
The worldwide orphan crisis is a reality at our doorstep, but the American dream blinds us to this sobering truth. It is clear that defending the fatherless is something close to the heart of God and intrinsic to the Gospel. Caring for orphans is not a specific call that goes out to some, but a general command that goes out to all. We must get out of our bubbles and respond in joyful obedience.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Share a time when you were in need. Who helped you? How did it feel to need help from someone else?
- Read and discuss Luke 10:25-37 and James 1:27. What do you observe about the nature of God from these verses?
- How would you articulate the difference between “Who is my neighbor?” and “Who am I neighbor to?” What does it mean to be a neighbor?
- What emotions does the topic of adoption bring up for you? Would you say these feelings are reflective of the heart of God? Why or why not?
- What does it mean to be “adopted into the family of God”?
- In light of what you have heard and learned in this message, what do you sense God is calling you to do in response? In what ways do you need to get out of your “bubble”? What would it look like for you to “do for one what you wish you could do for everyone”?