The God of the Gap
October 27, 2024
We’ve all been there—those situations where we’ve fallen just a little short. We may be short on time, out of money, or lack the know-how to get it done. During times like these, we pray for someone willing to step in and make up the difference, someone who would bridge the gap. The Bible is the story of how God has entered the gap of our world to make a way for us to be with Him for eternity. Join us for part two of Bridge the Gap, where we will see how God is searching for people willing to follow Him into the gap between heaven and earth.
Passages
Ezekiel 22:23-31; Galatians 4:4; and John 20:21-22
God searched for someone to ##bridge## the ##gap##. (Ezek. 22:30)
##No## ##one## was found. (Ezek. 22:30)
God sent ##Jesus## to bridge the gap of our ##sin##. (Gal. 4:4)
Principle
##Following## ##Jesus## requires standing in the gap between ##heaven## and ##earth##.
Practice
Identify a ##gap## God is calling you to ##bridge##.
- Has God given me a Holy Discontentment?
- How might God use my experience, education, time, and resources to bridge that gap?
- How am I cooperating as a member of Christ’s Body to bridge the gap?
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Active participation in church has dramatically declined. Some surveys show that weekly church attendance has decreased by half over the past 40 years. Why do you think this is so? How is it affecting the church in America? What impact might it have on individual Christians and families?
HEAR
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
- What do we mean when we describe the church as “the body of Christ”? How are the individual members of a church like parts of a body?
- According to verse 13 (and Galatians 3:28), what were we before joining the Body of Christ? How were we made one? What part do baptism and communion play in making us one?
- Describe a time when you most felt like a vital member of the Body of Christ.
- Discuss the Aspire to Serve Card with your group. How might God use the unique gifts and talents of the people in your group to serve through Aspire Church San Marco?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:21-26
- What does Paul mean by saying that the weaker parts are more indispensable, less honorable parts are treated with greater honor and unpresentable parts with greater modesty? How does this relate to the church?
- Based on this passage, should we treat everyone in the church the same way? Why or why not?
- Does our group and church suffer and rejoice together well? How could we do it better?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:27 – 13:3
- What does it mean that the church is the body of Christ? How should this affect our participation in the church?
- According to Paul, what roles and gifts has God appointed in the church? How do you see these roles and gifts at play in our church?
- What is the more excellent way, and why does it trump every other gift?
HUDDLE
If every member of Aspire Church was as committed as you are today, would our church be healthier or weaker? How will you help our church remain healthy and on mission? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Reading Plan + Prayer Guide
Monday
John 3 & 4
Pray for Aspire to stand in the gap for those who have never heard the good news of John 3:16 and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to people who need to hear the Gospel.
Tuesday
John 5 & 6
Remember to pray for those waiting to be healed and those who are hungry. Ask for guidance on how we can help the hurting and hungry in our community.
Wednesday
John 8 & 9
Thank God for the mercy and grace that are available through Jesus Christ. Ask Him to open your eyes to see the hurting and helpless around you. Invite the Holy Spirit to use you for His purposes today.
Thursday
John 11
Meditate on this passage. Thank God that He weeps with those who weep. Ask Him to make you sensitive to the cries of those around you. Thank God that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Friday
John 19 & 20
Reflect on how the cross has bridged the gap of your sin. Thank God for His mercy. Invite Jesus to breathe new life into you and every member of Aspire as we seek to stand in the gap.