Home Worship 5 Aug 2023

in Discussion Questions  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

The topic for our home worship on Sat 5 Aug 2023 is “Cultivating a Garden-City Mindset”:

  1. Watch this video: (warning: might be scary for young kids): https://youtu.be/5yZLFmVHfaw
  1. Discuss:
    1. How or why did cities originate, according to Genesis 4:17; Genesis 10:8-12 and Genesis 11:1-9?
    1. Compare and contrast the mindset of the city of Cain and his descendants with the culture of the Garden of Eden.  Reference: Genesis 2:8-15
    1. In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus teaches the principles of the kingdom of heaven and says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16).  What does it mean to be a city on a hill?
    1. What does it mean to be a city on a hill?  How does Jesus bring new meaning to city-living? 
    1. Reflect on the idea of God bringing his garden to the city.  How can this perspective impact the way you view and approach urban environments and social challenges?
    1. Surprisingly, God plans our final home to be a city, with a garden in the middle!  Read Revelation 21:1-4; 19-27; Rev 22:1-5.  Why do you think God doesn’t just put us back in Eden?  Why do you think God creates a garden-city?
    1. Revelation 7:9-14 highlights the diversity of people in the New Jerusalem (people of all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages) – how is diversity an important aspect of the garden-city community?

 

The concept of a garden-city represents not just a return to the original state of Eden but a fulfilment and transformation of the entire creation, taking into account human history, including the challenges, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped humanity’s journey. 

It acknowledges that the new creation is not just a resetting but a culmination of God’s work of redemption.  

We are invited to participate in this work of healing and recreation by living out Kingdom principles in our cities, workplaces, schools and homes. 

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink 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 4:14