This is what the Lord says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you... Isaiah 44:2 2021 Word of the Year: Forward: Straining toward what lies ahead Philippians 3:13-14 Message: Once we receive God’s life, we become ambassadors for life How do we succeed together to value life – of the unborn? • Start with the hope of the Gospel. • Live with the truth that all life comes from God. • Become ambassadors for life. Succeeding Together to Value Life – of the Unborn | Joel K. Johnson | January 10, 2021Parenting Conference We know how hard it is to be a parent these days. Join us for this year’s online Parenting Conference, which features best-selling author Bob Goff. Saturday, February 21, 7:00-8:30pm. Registration is available on our website. January 10, 2021 Let’s Meet Come hang out with Westwood pastors and staff! We’d love a chance to meet you. Sunday, January 24. Chanhassen Campus and Online Campus: 11:45am-12:15pm. Bush Lake Campus: 11:15-11:45am. For more information, please visit: westwoodcc.org/events Want to go deeper? Check out the attached discussion questions to engage more with the sermon. Bible Reading Plan Reading the Bible every day is a great way to grow in your faith. After you read, take time to journal or reflect on these questions: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I live this out today? On our website, under Publications, you can find online resources for reading through the Bible in one year: westwoodcc.org/publicationsLifeGivers Series Succeeding Together to Value Life – of the Unborn January 10th, 2021 1. Forward: straining toward what lies ahead. This is Pastor Joel’s word for 2021. Are there certain action steps or a new direction you intend to take in your life? If so, what might you need from God and those in the group to encourage and support you to press forward? 2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. What does Paul say God has accomplished in Christ? And how are we called to give expression to the life-giving work of Christ in our lives? 3. The LifeGivers series reminds us that, “Once we receive God’s life, we become His ambassadors for life.” What might it mean for you to be an “ambassador for life?” How might it connect with God’s life-giving work in your own life and a pressing need or hurt in the lives of others? 4. Pastor Joel suggests that matters of the unborn, racial healing, homelessness, and refugees are often viewed as, “hot potatoes’ in the arena of political battles over right and wrong that divide us.” How might understanding ourselves as “ambassadors for life” shift our view and inform the ways we respond to concerns of the unborn, racial healing, homelessness, and refugees? 5. What steps might we, as believers and the church, take to reduce stigma and demonstrate compassion to moms and dads who may have experienced an abortion or are facing an unwanted pregnancy? How might our community be increasingly welcoming, safe, and supportive for all? 6. Read Psalm 139:13-18. As you listen to the words of psalm writer, what thoughts, feelings, or images are stirred within you? How do these words remind you of the sanctity of life and of the responsibility to safeguard and promote life? 7. Pastor Joel urged each of us, “Become God’s ambassador for life. Promote life. Protect life. Be wounded healers of people.” What step(s) in that direction do you sense God calling you and/or your group to take? Next >