Element Christian Church
Forgive Week 8: Our Need
Locations & Times
Element Christian Church
4890 Bethany Ln, Santa Maria, CA 93455, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
Welcome to Element
We strive to ensure the biggest thing people think when they hear about Element is Jesus! We aim to glorify God by teaching and living out the Scriptures, transforming community into Gospel community and planting churches.
Baptims, Sunday September 10 at 1pm
At Element we believe baptism is making a public statement about your life and commitment to walk in the ways Jesus calls you to. Many people only get the Jesus “as seen on TV” and don’t understand what Jesus does in “real life” or what following Him looks like on a practical level...so we not only baptize people, but have them write their stories as well. <br><br>We then celebrate as a church family with food, swimming and laughter! We hope you will plan to join us for the afternoon! <br><br>Immediately following Baptisms, we will have a BBQ. Element will provide Meat, Bread, Beans, and Water. <b>We ask that you bring something based on your last name:</b><br><b> A-R bring salads/sides</b><br><b> S-Z bring FINGER FRIENDLY desserts</b><br><br>You also might want to bring chairs, shade, sunblock and swimsuit - as the pool will be open afterwards. <br><br>This is off-site, please email us if you need direction - info@ourelement.org
Men's Bible Study
Our topic to start the Fall off will be "New Testament Postcards". Each "postcard " is a one chapter book from the New Testament where they will study hidden gems of scripture. Bring your Bible, coffee and breakfast if you wish; but most importantly come to "experience God by entering into community with one another, exploring the truth of his word, and expressing your faith to others.”<br><br>Saturdays at 7:30am in the Barn
The Weekender at Element
See full details of what The Weekender is and claim your spot at the link below
https://ourelement.churchcenter.com/people/forms/482689"Pray for Me" Campaign - Adult Participation Form
Element is launching a prayer initiative to encourage the older generation of attendees to keep our younger generations in prayer. Complete the following form if you are interested in being paired with and consistently praying for a 1st-12th grade student from September through December 2023.
https://ourelement.churchcenter.com/people/forms/601973High School Ministry Begins September 17th
Our High School Ministry is officially launching Sunday, September 17th and they are going to celebrate with food and a time to just get to know each other and what to expect. All High School students are invited to participate Sundays from 1:30-3pm in the Barn. Email Kevin for more details at kevin.kaub@ourelement.org
Stay Connected - Download the Church Center App
https://ourelement.churchcenter.com/setupThis week's song list
Interested in looking for some of the songs we sang this week? Here's the titles and original artists:<br><br>One Thing Remains - Jeremy Riddle<br>Your Love Never Fails - Jesus Culture<br>Before the Throne of God - <br>Poison Tree - Ghost Ship<br>In Christ Alone - New City Church<br>Lift Your Head Weary Sinner - David Crowder
Our Need
This week’s message focuses on the role of guilt/shame in understanding our need for forgiveness. Many today seek to avoid or dismiss the concept of guilt or shame, or even attempt to cover it through their own efforts. A Biblical worldview clearly names and describes the implications of the Fall—humankind’s rebellion against God and the unraveling of our world—and depicts how we are unable to rescue ourselves. As a result of this rupture, we are faced with shame and anxiety as we grapple with our own brokenness. However, the Gospel is truly good news, as it tells us Jesus doesn’t just make us righteous through His sacrifice, but is also working to bring restoration and shalom. Our forgiveness and reconciliation of one another can be seen as part of this restorative work. When we can humbly admit our need before God and receive His grace, we can more eagerly move toward each other in love.
• Why is it important that our Biblical worldview starts in Genesis 1 and not just with the Fall in Genesis 3?
• What kind of “fig leaves” do you use in your own life to try to cover guilt/shame? Why don’t they provide real relief?
• What examples from your life indicate your need for a Savior?
• How does the Gospel speak to your shame?
• Where do you see glimpses of “shalom”?
Internal
• How does grasping your need for forgiveness empower you to extend forgiveness to others?
• How do you compare others’ ultimate need for redemption to your own?
• How does God’s grace speak to our difficulty in forgiving ourselves?
• How does the hope of ultimate redemption and restoration encourage you in the daily struggles of life?
Horizontal
• How might understanding our shared fallenness and need for grace shape how we see and interact with others?
• In what relationships/situations is God calling you to move toward restoration?
• How can you speak the Gospel into others’ areas of guilt/ shame?
Action Steps
• Thank God for meeting your greatest needs through the Cross.
• Pray for the relationships/situations in which restoration is needed. Consider what next steps could further that process.
• Consider how your words/actions can reflect your need for a Savior and how Jesus has fulfilled that need.
• Review and work through this week’s additional resources: “X Ray Questions,“ and articles on “Original Sin.“
All Binder Resources for Forgive Series
Miss a week? Wanting digital copies? This link has all the additional resources we've made available throughout the series.
https://www.ourelement.org/forgive/resources