Four Weeks Forward
WEEK THREE
COMMUNITY
This week we will focus on COMMUNITY. Connecting with other believers in regular fellowship is important for growth.
You will want to have a Bible to read the recommended passages, and a notebook to answer the questions.
DAY ONE
We were never meant to be lone Rangers, solo Christians out in the world living on our own. We were made to live in the context of community, meaning that other Christians are helpful and important in our daily walk with Jesus. You’ve probably figured that out by now, so let’s look at what it is that a Christian community accomplishes over these next few days of devotions.
Read Mark 1:16-18 and then record your observations.
- What do you notice about how Jesus calls Simon and Andrew?
- What promises does he make to them? What do you think that means?
- Who are you walking after Jesus with?
Your answer to the above question will be helpful next week, but for now, it’s important to realize that fishing for men is something we ought to do together.
DAY TWO
So many people don’t wanna church because it’s cold, the people are angry, and nobody is nice. Can you blame them? I think Jesus might actually not like that type of church either. In fact, Jesus gave one very powerful command to his followers just before he died.
Read it in John 15:12.
- Write down a few ways you think you show this type of love to one another.
- Have you ever had a time where someone has shown you Christ like love?
- How did it encourage you to be more loving in return?
Read John 13:35.
- What does Jesus say will be the result of you loving each other?
DAY THREE
Being part of a team is an awesome experience. If your team cooperates, an ax and unity, I can feel like an extended family. But the problem with teams, especially sports teams, is that the only last for the duration of the season. At some point, the season is over and everyone goes their separate ways.
Read Hebrews 10:24–25 and see how the Christian team is meant to take shape.
- we are supposed to consider how to spur one another on in love, which is an attitude, and good deeds, which is an action. Our attitudes and actions are meant to be a result from how we think about the team. How can you change your thinking about the people in your church community so that you are encouraging them in love and good deeds?
- What is the second command in these verses about the church? How does this encourage you to make your Sunday mornings a priority to be at church?
- The day is the final day of the Lord, which will usher in the end of time. The writer of these verses is telling us, we only have a short amount of time to meet together! How does this encourage or challenge you?
DAY FOUR
Most people hate conflict. Actually I think everyone hates conflict. People who say they enjoy conflict are weird and mean. You should hate conflict. But friction in relationships, especially with in the Christian church, can be a powerful tool and the hands of God.
Read proverbs 27:17 and see what I mean.
- What’s the analogy here?
- Think about this analogy. What happens in the real world iron sharpening process? What does it look like? What does it sound like? What does it smell like?
- What do you think this is the picture of growing as a Christian?
Iron sharpening is a great metaphor because it’s too like things making each other useful. There’s humility in iron sharpening, because neither is better or weaker than the other. Just like that, we need each other to grow in our lives and to be as sharp in our worship, prayer, community, and witness!
DAY FIVE
The beginning of the church was marked by some radical living.
Reed acts 2:42–47 and see what it looked like.
- There are some key values that the early believers in Jesus devoted themselves too. What were they? See if you can name all four from verse 42.
- How else were they growing as a community (look at first 45–47)?
- The apostles teaching is a reference to the Bible. Why is it important that we recognize the early church was devoted to The Bible?
- The breaking of bread in verse 42 is probably a reference to communion, while breaking bread inverse 46 might be more of a sharing of a meal and someone’s home, like they would today. How do these two things, communion, and fellowship, help us grow in church community?
The end of this verse shows that God was blessing the church tremendously. Take some time to pray for your church and the way that you’re involved.
TELL YOUR STORY
If you have found a message of hope in Jesus, we want to know your story! Tell us how you came to know Christ and the change He has made in your life.