How many times have you heard about the separation of church and state? I’m guessing a lot! But usually, it’s from Christians who think that it is in the Bible (it is not). It comes from secularists who think that it comes from the US Constitution (it does not). Every election cycle brings with it the dilemma: Should Christians be involved in politics? If so, to what degree?

I. Complexity

II. Policy

III. Responsibility

Talk with God: Pray for our elected leaders and candidates and ask the Lord for wisdom and clarity as you get ready to vote.

Talk with others: Encourage a believer who is anxious about the upcoming election and remind them that “no purpose of [God’s] can be thwarted” (Job 42:2, ESV).

Talk with kids: How does learning about God help us receive courage?

This noble-sounding little statement has been around for a couple of decades but was popularized by Oprah Winfrey at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. She stated, “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we have.” In all fairness, she was talking about those women who dared to speak up about being sexually harassed; however, the quip rapidly became a modern mantra for those who say absolute truth doesn’t exist, but that all truth is individual and comes from within.

I. We Should Know the Truth

II. We Should Guard the Truth

III. We Should Speak the Truth

Talk with God: Meditate on John 17:14-19 and ask the Lord to sanctify your life by the truth of His Word.

Talk with others: Ask your Connect Group how they stay “ready in season and out of season” (v. 2).

Talk with kids: Who can you share the gospel with?

Some of the worst advice we have ever received has come from the best friends we’ve ever had. A popular slogan of our modern culture tells us each to, “Follow your heart,” and we’ve all had close friends tell us as much. But is that a good plan? Is your heart reliable? Let’s discover three valuable components of decision-making from a familiar story where things almost went really wrong.

I. A Good Intention

II. Some Bad Advice

III. A Better Plan

Talk with God: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life where you choose to follow your heart instead of seeking His direction.

Talk with others: Ask a fellow believer or mentor to be your sounding board and keep you accountable to follow the Word rather than your heart.

Talk with kids: Why is faith in Jesus the only way to be saved?