Date: September 9
Open Arms
The Point: Welcoming others goes beyond a friendly handshake.
Get Into the Study
Use this story to introduce the session.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has filed a formal complaint against Facebook, alleging a violation of the Fair Housing Act. HUD claims that Facebook’s advertising platform allows landlords and those selling homes to discriminate against potential tenants and buyers through targeted advertising. HUD alleges that Facebook allows the advertisers to limit who receives their ads based on criteria including “the recipient’s race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, and/or zip code.” For example, Facebook allows advertisers to block their ads from users that have shown an interest in an “assistance dog” or “mobility scooter.” Facebook also allows landlords to limit the display of ads to exclude those Facebook users interested in specific religions such as the “Christian Church,” or “Hinduism.” Advertisers may also exclude users who live in specific zip codes. According to HUD, “The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing transactions including print and online advertisement on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status.”
Facebook indicated they would respond to the claims in court. Additionally, a Facebook spokesperson said, “There is no place for discrimination on Facebook; it’s strictly prohibited in our policies. Over the past year we’ve strengthened our systems to further protect against misuse.”
Explain: In this session, we will study what the Bible says in James 2:1-10 about favoritism. Encourage the group to consider how the above story about discrimination might parallel favoritism in the church. Direct the group to the point of the session: Welcoming others goes beyond a friendly handshake.
Nikki Wilbanks has a background in commercial real estate appraisal and investment, but is thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher, currently. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she studied literature. She lives with her husband and two children in Murfreesboro, TN.
Get Into the Study (Optional Activity)
Share these tips on proper handshake etiquette: https://www.thespruce.com/handshake-etiquette-p2-1216847. Ask volunteers to describe how a handshake made them feel. Ask group members what difference they think a proper handshake makes to guests who visit our church. Explain that though we may practice a proper handshake, welcoming others must go beyond a friendly handshake. (This option is from the KJV Adult Leader Guide, p. 28).
Live It Out
Use the following illustration before you discuss the three Live It Out application ideas.
Bring in a cassette tape or a picture of a cassette tape to display. Share the following information as you wrap up the session.
YouGov, a public opinion and data company, recently released a survey in which 2,011 children in the UK from 6-18 years old were asked to identify twelve pieces of older technology (e.g. a floppy disk, pager, and cassette tape). 67% of the children incorrectly identified the image of a floppy disk, with several identifying it as the “save icon” on a computer. 40% of the children surveyed could not properly identify a cassette tape.
Ask: Who has owned, or still owns, music on a cassette tape? What are some of the most iconic bands or musicians that you have listened to on cassette?
Just as the cassette tape is quickly becoming forgotten history, most, if not all, of these icons of music will also be forgotten. Consider music from 100 years ago, 500 years ago, 1000 years ago. Those who were considered famous and influential, those who would have been shown favoritism and given the best seat in the house, have mostly been forgotten.
Nikki Wilbanks has a background in commercial real estate appraisal and investment, but is thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher, currently. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she studied literature. She lives with her husband and two children in Murfreesboro, TN.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What makes your current favorite TV show your favorite?
- When have you been welcomed into someone’s home with open arms?
- Growing up, who always made you feel welcome during a holiday?
James 2:1-4
- Why do people so quickly make value judgments based on external appearances?
- How can partiality be a problem for a church trying to be welcoming of others?
- What emotions do you experience when someone welcomes you with open arms?
James 2:5-7
- Why is partiality inconsistent with the heart of God?
- How does God welcome people into His family?
- How do these verses reveal our character as human beings?
James 2:8-10
- How does consistent love toward people demonstrate a heart for God?
- What does it really mean to love your neighbor?
- What are some practical ways we can love our neighbors as ourselves this week?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Why I Hate the “Meet-and-Greet” at Church
Video
Here’s a brief video giving you an overview of this session: Welcome Home, Session 2
NOTE: This video is free. Ministry Grid may ask you for a log-in, but all that requires is your email address. Ministry Grid will not share your email address with anyone.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- ParentLife – The Practice Field
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