As part of our mission statement to connect people with God and others, we desire for people to be known in a way that is not possible in a large gathering.

Connection Groups typically gather on Sunday evenings in homes all over Linn County.

Each Sunday we provide questions based on the sermon to guide a discussion time into deeper spiritual understanding.

If you are looking to connect with others, flesh out the sermon in your own life, and invest yourself with a group of loving believers, Connection groups are for you! Click below to get signed up!

Forgiven to be Family               Matthew 5:10           July 19th, 2026

1. When you were growing up, what was something you pretended to like (or dislike) just because everyone else did? Did you ever admit your real opinion?

2. Read: Matthew 5:9 & Matthew 10:34–37. These seem to contradict each other. What tension do you notice between Jesus calling peacemakers "blessed" and then saying He came "not to bring peace, but a sword"?

3. Read: Colossians 1:19–22. According to Paul, what did it cost Jesus to make peace between God and humanity? What words or phrases stand out to you in this passage?

4. The sermon contrasted cheap peace (avoiding conflict) with costly peace (pursuing reconciliation). Where do you most often see "cheap peace" in our culture? Where do you see it tempting Christians?

5. The sermon said:"Peace isn't found by pretending sin doesn't exist. Peace is found when someone is willing to absorb the cost of dealing with sin." How does the cross of Christ demonstrate that truth?

6. Is there an area of your life where you've been settling for "cheap peace"—avoiding a conversation, ignoring sin, or keeping quiet because confrontation feels uncomfortable? What makes that situation difficult?

7. Paul says believers have been given "the ministry of reconciliation." Who is one person God may be calling you pursue with the message of reconciliation? What is one practical step you could take this week?

8. The sermon ended by asking two questions:

·     Have you personally been reconciled to God through Jesus?

·     If you have, who are you helping reconcile to God?

Spend time praying for one another—that Christ would continue His work of reconciliation in your own heart and would give you courage to be a peacemaker who proclaims the gospel.