DNI Dine & Dance Faith

DATE NIGHT IN BOX

e d i u g on i ss u c s i d ith a f

Welcome to your Faith Discussion Guide!

It is God’s promise that, as you continue to love each other and seek His wisdom in your relationship, He will reveal Himself to you in beautiful ways. Cozy up and dive into what God has in store for you through some

His community! Most importantly, He demonstrated His love for even the outcasts through His spirit of celebration.

-- In John 2, we read about Jesus celebrating at a wedding feast and turning water into wine.

-- In Luke 5, Jesus fellowships in the home

honest discussion, reflection and prayer. Be

of Levi, a tax collector, who had prepared

sure to have your Bible handy. If you don’t

a great feast.

have access to one, check out the Bible Gateway app available for your Apple or Android device.

-- Luke 14 and 15 are filled with parables about great banquets and lavish celebrations aimed at demonstrating how

For a custom Date Night In Box - Faith

we are to behave as humble guests in the

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Lord’s Kingdom.

datenightinbox.com/dine-and-dance.

HOW DID JESUS CELEBRATE? The word “party” has a broad definition in today’s culture. Tonight, we encourage

pause and discuss...…

In the past, have you imagined Jesus as a somber, reserved individual or a man who loved to celebrate and enjoy life with His

you to consider this word in the context of

community?

your own life. From barbecues and birthday

Do you agree that the life God has given you

parties to baby showers and weddings, you

is worth celebrating in a way that honors the

are invited to share in celebration with

Lord? What has God blessed you with that is

your community in many ways and for many

worth celebrating?

reasons. Tonight’s discussion offers you a peek into Jesus’ character as a party guest, how Jesus never compromised on honoring the Lord and how you can reflect His celebratory spirit. When someone asks you (not for the first or last time), “Hey, will you come to my party?” you will be able to respond confidently through the lens of the question “What would Jesus do?”

OUR REASON TO CELEBRATE The Old Testament contains many accounts of people who hosted and attended parties as an act of worship. The Lord commanded His people to host such events to celebrate

Dining, dancing and general merriment

and remember the blessings He had given

are, in fact, all present in the account of

them—many of the same blessings that you

Jesus’ life. Despite harsh rebukes by the

share today. As believers in the life, death

Pharisees throughout the book of Luke,

and resurrection of Jesus, we are called to

Jesus was eager to engage in celebration

live with a spirit of supernatural joy as a

and community. Throwing and attending

testimony of God’s grace.

celebratory feasts was an important part of Jewish custom. Unlike most, Jesus was not concerned with outward appearances or social rank. He loved to celebrate with

We have the greatest reason to gather in community and celebrate! In Acts 2, believers in Christ were actually mistaken

as intoxicated because of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This type of magnetic joy was indescribable and otherwise unheard of in a time of such persecution. Let others be curious about your joyous spirit.

pause and discuss...…

Can you recall a time when you felt

intoxicated by the joy of the Holy Spirit?

PRAYER AND REFLECTION Has your discussion this evening changed your perspective on how we, as believers, are called to be gracious hosts and humble guests?

Take a moment to close out your discussion in prayer. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can pray these words: “Dear Lord, we want to thank You for all that You have given us to celebrate! We pray

Did you feel drawn to share that joy with the

that You let the reality of Your sacrificial

people around you as Jesus often did?

gift overflow our hearts with joy. Let those around us be drawn to You through our outward reflection of Your love. As we

JESUS’ PARTY ETIQUETTE

gather to celebrate our blessings, we pray specifically that You give us the courage to…”

So what would Jesus do? How would He act as a party guest? He would take every opportunity to share His celebratory spirit in an authentic, loving way. He would be the true love-giving life of the party, and He would ignore the social hierarchy and set aside His pride to extend His Father’s grace.

From what we read in Luke, Jesus would be a humble guest and would not steal the limelight, the place of honor or any attention from the host. He would view His invitation as a gift, not a right, and He would engage with outcasts, strangers and the lost.

CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION -- We intend this discussion guide as a conversation starter and encourage you to go directly to the source for further direction on this topic! The Bible is filled with powerful examples of how we can live a life of joy, peace and love, regardless of our circumstances.

-- For further reading on this topic, visit Luke 14-15 in your Bible.

-- This month, when you are invited to a party or decide to host one yourselves, try centering your mindset on the joys

pause and discuss...…

In what ways do you reflect Jesus’ example in social settings? What characteristics could you improve upon?

Can you recall a time when someone showed curiosity about your spirit of unconditional joy?

that Christ has given you to celebrate.

Let your friends wonder where this joy comes from!

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