Church | Jesus People Are Difference Makers | The Jesus People - Part 4

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JESUS PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENCE MAKERS
The Jesus People – Part 4
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
October 15, 2023
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Jesus once gave a simple but powerful illustration of the difference His followers would make in the world. He said, “You are the salt of the Earth.” This weekend, discover how “salty” believers have changed and are changing the world.
SERIES: The Jesus People
In the late 60s and early 70s, a counter-cultural Christian movement began in California among young people called the Jesus People. It happened at the height of the sexual revolution and drug culture of the time, young people sincerely hungered for the supernatural and were finding it in Jesus even when they couldn't find it in the institutional church. In this series, we want to ask the question, "What does it mean to be the Jesus People today in a world where people seem to have lost their way and find the institutional church irrelevant?"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Everyone at some point in their life wants to make a difference. In what ways do you hope your life has made a difference? Why do some people give up on this dream? What would you say to someone who is discouraged or feels like they have nothing to contribute?
2. Pastor Keith talked about three qualities of salt; it preserves, it purifies and it seasons. Likely, Jesus had all three ideas in mind when comparing His followers to salt. How do believers best influence the brokenness of our world today? What really works? What repels people? What Christians have you known who are great examples of “salty” believers – who embody and live out a compelling, life-giving alternative to the systems of this world?
3. Pastor Keith gave several examples of “salty” difference makers who were all Christ followers. What stood out most to you in these stories? How is your life like them or unlike them? In what ways might God use your own story, struggles, and life learnings to be a blessing to others?
4. The Bystander Effect is a very real social phenomenon that occurs when people are in a group and something happens that requires action. Most people assume others will respond to the call for help, action, or decision. This happens in church all the time. Because there are so many who hear the same message, we assume others will step up and volunteer, others will sacrifice and help with a financial need, or others will do something about a challenging message – but we never think of someone as ourselves. Unless and until we understand the bystander effect, we will effectively tune out challenges intended for us personally by deflecting responsibility onto others. Has this ever happened to you? What can you do to safeguard against it? How will you apply this message today?