S2 Ep2173: "A New Start” - The Samaritan Woman | 25Feb24 | Malcolm Cox

IntroductionDo you like a new start?- Feels good when we've been stuck- True for people -- true for groupsThe desire for hope leads people to make good choices Making a fresh start involves courage, hope, faith, riskWhat can we learn from this story to help us make good choices when a new start opportunity comes our way?Question: How did Jews and Samaritans feel about one another?Question: Modern examples? Point: They were stuck in animosity.The new thing Jesus does with the woman is prophetic of what he will do with and for all people after Pentecost.DiscussionQ: Her current situation?Q: What changes as a result of her encounter with Jesus?She sees through His parables and glimpses the truth behind His words when so many others, including Jewish experts and scholars, could not.Nic - 'you are Israel's teacher...'Q: What are we to learn from this encounter?About Jesus?He makes the uncomfortable comfortableTalks to her as an equalLoves allWhat change in our thinking is required?Believe God can change 'lost causes'? - including ourselvesTrust he loves you and wants personal connection with you?ConclusionsTestimonies change lives - even whole townsThe 'unlikely' might be the most openJesus wants everyone in his KingdomLord's SupperWe are considering many 'new things' - charity, staff, youth ministryKeep focus on Jesus“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”” (John 4:13-14 NIV11)Water a significant theme in John (first miracle)“one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19:34 NIV11)