Friday First - He Leads With Mercy

The concept of redemption found its origin in warfare. The victor would take spoils, part of which was prisoners of war, who could be released for a price. But there was more than just the exchange of money for a person’s freedom, redemption involved deliverance from desperation, squalor, misery, and hopelessness. If it didn’t come, the poor imprisoned person would continue to wallow in suffering and probably die.

When deliverance came, the one who had been imprisoned would know more than anyone else that their release was not by their own power … it came because of the initiative, love, and action of someone outside of themselves. If you were the one set free, whose life had been restored, how would you embrace your second chance on life?

During April we are looking at how Jesus saves our life. The story we’ll examine Sunday out of John 8 is a perfect illustration. A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought to Him. Certainly, Jesus saved the woman’s life that day. What does Jesus’ interaction with her teach us? How does this connect to our associating Cornerstone as a place to heal?

In our lesson we will:

• Seek to better understand the background of this story.
• Understand the dilemma the Pharisees forced Jesus into.
• See how Jesus responded.
• Discover three important applications to take away.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What are some things you picture from the scene as this story unfolds?
2. What was the penalty under the law for adultery?
3. Do you believe the Scribes and Pharisees had an honest concern for the Law when they brought the woman to Him? Explain.
4. What is so challenging to Jesus’ response to the woman after all her accuses have left?
5. How is today’s lesson a great illustration of second chances? What will you do with yours?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Drew Triplett

LORD'S SUPPER
Ryan Fraser

SCRIPTURE READING
Jim Johnson
John 7.53-8.11

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Matt Ringle

USHERS (arrive @ 08.45)
Roger Robins / Rich Jacobs

HEALTH SCREENING (arrive @ 08.45)
FRONT ENTRY: Tina Jacobs
SIDE ENTRY: Sadonna Schofield

Post-Service Sanitization
Mark & Margaret Ringle
Lea Baker & Taylor Robins

Closing the Building
Dru McLaughlin