Christ-centered community is not optional to our formation. It is one of the primary ways God teaches us to hold onto hope, practice love, and become more like Jesus. Community takes practice. It takes vulnerability. It takes time. But it is one of the ways Jesus forms us.
READ: Hebrews 10:23: "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."
DISCUSS:
Do you know your people groups, and are they healthy Christian relationships? How do you know?
READ: Hebrews 10:24: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."
DISCUSS:
What is love, and how do we know when we are loved or being loved the right way? What do you think knowing we are loved does for us and others?
READ: Hebrews 10:25
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
DISCUSS:
Why do relationships/friendships take work? How do we grow together through personal challenges and differences, both internally and externally, with each other while keeping Jesus the focus?
Where have you started to pull away? Who do you need around you to keep running this race?
Jesus, we need you, and you teach us that we need each other. Open our hearts to relationships that grow, encourage, and help heal us while also healing others. Let us be a people who: hold onto hope together, grow in love together, and keep showing up to encourage one another. Thank you for providing an opportunity for us to have Christ-centered community. In Your name we pray, Amen.
This week take a step toward Christ-centered community, take the time to join a group, form healthy relationships with others while walking out your journey with Jesus.
Open the door: Take a moment each day to ask God to open your heart to “community”. Ask Him to lead you to the right relationships and a group that will help you in your walk with Jesus.
Say hello: In the coming week there will be opportunities to either become a part of a group, lead a group, or coach group leaders. Take the time in the lobby to say hello and get connected.
Join a group: Take the next step to become a part of a Christ-centered community. Join a group today.
Lead a group: Consider leading a group this semester, sign up for training today.
Be vulnerable: Healthy, honest, Christ-centered relationships provide a safe place to experience the freedom and redemption Jesus came to give — and they also give us the opportunity to help others experience the same thing. Isolation often strengthens what community is meant to help heal. This week if you are in a group, “open up” your vulnerability may help heal you and someone else.
Because we do not become like Jesus alone. We are formed together.