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Power and Oppression - Conversation Guide

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Our days are spent in a world of opposites. Jesus highlighted opposites, and juxtapositions, throughout His teachings. But what does His Gospel for you and for me? What IS the Gospel? In this teaching series, we will define what we mean when we use the word Gospel at Cornerstone Fellowship. By diving a bit into history and then going deeper every week through the GOOD, and the BAD. Join us as we talk about how to present the Gospel to the world around us in a healthy and impactful way.

Power and Oppression

When was the last time you walked through your community with your eyes open? Eyes not just to SEE, but to ENGAGE with those on the margins? One of the major themes throughout Scripture is God’s heart for (and compassion towards) those who are oppressed and on the margins. As we read from cover to cover, we learn how important justice and mercy are to God’s heart. This theme continues in the life and ministry of Jesus' time.

This week CF Online was joined by Becky Fitch and CF Online as we explore how the gospel is good and bad news for the powerless/oppressed AND the powerful/oppressor.

Her message is what will prompt you to think about the questions listed below. If you have not had a chance to watch it, we highly encourage you to do so, as it will help provide context moving forward. 

Whether you find yourself with a group, a friend, a family member, or are by yourself, take some time to read, process, and discuss/journal through the questions below. 

  • How would Jesus define "gospel"?

  • In what ways does God's Kingdom differ from the kingdom of this world? How?

  • Take some time to read Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 2 a bit deeper this week. What stands out to you about these passages? Compare and contrast these chapters.

  • Whether or not you are familiar with this story, often called "Jesus cleanses the Temple, " what stood out to you after reading it? Why?

  • "Compassion is not sympathy, compassion is not empathy, compassion is not compassion until there is movement. " - Becky Fitch.

    Describe a time when you've seen compassion in motion. Were you the recipient of compassion or the giver of compassion? 

  • Consider: How am I using the power, comfort, and position I have to make room for those on the margins?

  • Is your discipleship to Jesus increasing your proximity to and compassion towards the marginalized around you? What could this look like practically in your life?

Action step idea:

This week, pick one of the Gospel books, read a little bit each day, so you get through the whole thing in the week, and make a note anytime Jesus directly or indirectly addresses money, power, or pride. You’ll be astounded at how often those themes come up. 

"The gospel is good news for the oppressed & the oppressor. For the powerless & the powerful. Both liberated, but in different ways. The oppressed are raised up from the destructive burden of inferiority. The oppressor from the destructive illusion of superiority." - Rich Villodas

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