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sunday

What Is It That Seems To Draw Me Into Christian Community?

If you are like most people, you have an innate desire to be with other people. This desire comes directly from God, because God created you for relationship. As a Christian, however, an even more specific calling is on your life for community. As a follower of Jesus, you have been inducted into a powerful community of believers that has God as its center and sharing the love of Jesus Christ as its mission.

1 John 1:1-10 and
1 Corinthians 1:1-9

• What are the benefits of belonging to God's "fellowship of believers"? What do those who are called into God's community share in common?

• According to today's readings, around what has God drawn us together as Christians?

monday

Why Should I Commit Myself Regularly To Be With God's Community Of Believers?

The earliest group of Christian believers probably asked this question too, but they quickly decided what was important for them as a group. A first priority was the need to be in close Christian community in order to be encouraged and inspired to do the mission to which Jesus had called them. The spiritual growth and support they experienced in Christian community allowed them to begin the incredible task of making disciples of the whole world.

Acts 2:29-47

• What made this community of believers so committed to one another? How did they show it?

• If you totally devoted yourself daily to a Christian community that included biblical teaching, deep fellowship, and prayer, how would your spiritual life grow? Which of these is lacking right now for you?

tuesday

How Does Christian Community And Fellowship Make Me A Stronger Christian?

What is it about being in Christian fellowship that makes you stronger in your faith? There is definitely strength in numbers, and the Christian life is no different. It would be to your peril to think you can be just as strong and grow just as much in your spiritual life without the help and encouragement of your Christian brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 10:19-25, 3:12-13, and Galatians 6:1-2

• List the five "let us" statements, or callings on the community, from Hebrews 10:22-25. Why do you think it is easier to worship or have hope in Christ in a community of people rather than by yourself?

• Describe a time when you were encouraged or spurred on by another Christian brother or sister. Have you ever encouraged another believer? What happened?

wednesday

If I Am What I Eat, Do I Really Become Like Those With Whom I Hang Out?

Being in Christian community is a crucial priority—since most, if not all of us, are influenced by the world around us. That is just our nature. Just as many people begin speaking in the accent of the people around them after a period of time, you too will take on the flavor of those you spend the most time with on a regular basis.

Proverbs 13:20 and 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1

• How does the image of being yoked together give you insight about those with whom you can and can't have a close relationship?

• What will it take for you to influence non-Christians with your life and yet not be negatively influenced by them?

thursday

How Can I Love Others In A Christian Community Like The Church When There Are So Many People Not Like Me?

If there were one clear message about being in Christian community together, it would be the call to love. The whole world should be able to look into every group of Christians and see the overwhelming presence of love and commitment to one another. God's word clearly describes the importance of every single person called into Christian community, even if each one is very different from the others. God has reasons for you to value those in community with you who are nothing like yourself.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and 1 John 4:7-21

• According to 1 Corinthians 12, what is the purpose for the diversity of people found within Christian community? Why do we need one another?

• Is it possible to truly love God and hate others with whom you are in community? Why or why not?

friday

Living In Christian Community Builds Me Up, But What Are Other Goals Of Living In Community?

God has definitely called us to be in community for our protection and strength, but it doesn't stop there. God desires that all of creation be in right relationship with God, and we are the hands and feet to bring that about. One important aspect of Christian fellowship is our partnership in the mission of Christ. Just as we partner with other believers in living out our lives, we also partner with God in the mighty work of redeeming the world by bringing the love of Jesus to all people.

Philippians 1:3-11 and 2:1-4

• What does the word partnership mean to you? Define the word. What kind of partnerships do you share with other Christians you're around regularly?

• If we are equal partners with God in redeeming the world, what is God's part and what is ours?

saturday

What Can God Do Through Us As A Community Of Believers?

One of the awesome aspects about being in Christian community is God's miraculous power that works within us. In calling us to partnership in building God's kingdom, God imparts mighty power in and through us as Christ's "body" to accomplish the extraordinary. In fact, you can't even imagine all that God has in store for us together!

Ephesians 3:14–4:6 and Acts 4:31-35

• Which by-product of God's love (as described in the Ephesians passages) encourages you the most?

• In Acts 4:31, a direct connection between speaking the word of God boldly and being filled with the Holy Spirit is shown. How did this affect the early Christian community? How could it affect your community today?