People of Privilege – Part 1 “God’s Chosen People”

This powerful message explores one of the most transformative truths in Scripture: we have been grafted into God's family through Christ. Drawing from the covenant God made with Abraham, we discover that what began as a promise to one nation was always intended to expand to include all people. The sermon walks us through Jesus' ministry, showing how He initially focused on the Jewish people but consistently hinted at a broader plan. Through parables like the tenants who rejected the landowner's servants and son, and through His interactions with Roman centurions and Gentile communities, Jesus revealed that God's chosen people would include far more than anyone expected. The message culminates in the beautiful reality that through baptism and faith, we are not second-class citizens in God's kingdom but fully included members of His family. Like a grandfather ensuring his grandson's new bride receives the same inheritance and blessing as those born into the family, God has welcomed us in completely. This isn't about replacing Israel but about expanding the family table. We are reminded that Jesus fulfilled the old covenant and established a new one with better promises, and we now live under the freedom and grace of that new covenant. The challenge for us is to extend that same radical inclusion to others, refusing to make it difficult for people who are turning to Christ, regardless of their background or how different they may seem from us.

How have you seen traditions or practices in your own faith journey become more important than the heart behind them, similar to the fish on Friday example?

In what ways might Christians today be territorial with truth like the Pharisees were, and how can we guard against excluding others who are genuinely seeking God?

What does it mean practically for you to embrace being grafted into God's family as a Gentile believer, rather than feeling like a second-class citizen in the kingdom?

Pastor Dillmer asked why we make it difficult for people who are turning to Christ. What barriers have you seen churches or Christians put up that Jesus never intended?

How does understanding that Jesus fulfilled the old covenant and established a new one change the way you read and apply Old Testament passages?

The sermon emphasized that God's chosen people now includes all who are in Christ. How should this truth shape the way we view and treat people from different backgrounds or traditions?

What does it look like in your life to have open hands and an open heart toward people who don't believe exactly like you do?