Message Notes for January 29, 2023
Series: Devotion
Title: Intentional Christian Community 

The consistent rhythm of four disciplines produced a life-giving community of good will  where generosity poured out, miracles were seen, people were saved, and the voice of God  was heard in their lives and in the land.

– Bible Study 

– Intentional Christian Community 

– Reconciling Meals 

– Alignment Prayers 

Today’s Focus: Intentional Christian Community 

Community groups around God’s word will help equip you in every good work, stand firm in  your faith and more pleasing to God through your life.

Philippians 1:2, 1 John 1:7 

Colossians 1:27-29 this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28Him we proclaim,  warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present every one mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works  within me.

• Pitfalls that keep us or our groups from maturing in Christ 

• The essentials for an Intentional Christian Community to mature us in Christ and fan the  flames of our spiritual fire… 

• Devoted to Sharpening
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. 

• Devoted to Balance

• Devoted to Outreach
1 John 1:1-4, Matthew 28:19-20 

• Devoted to Meeting

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not  neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Family/Study Group Notes for Week of January 29, 2023
Series: Devotion
Title: Intentional Christian Community 

• Share with those in your group your most meaningful time in Christian Community.  What made it so meaningful? How did that experience grow your relationship with  Jesus? If it did not, why? 
• Read Hebrews 10:23-25. Why is the writer highly encouraging Christians to meet?  Why would it be necessary? How might it help as the cultural beliefs pressed on  them each day? How would you see this important today? Why? 
• What have been some aspects of gathering with others in Christian Community that  have not been helpful for your spiritual growth? Why?
• Read Colossians 1:28-29. What is the goal Paul wants to see in the Christian life?  Why would this be important? What steps can you take to grow more mature in  your walk with Jesus? 
• Read Romans 12:3-13. What does Christian community look like in this passage?  What makes it beneficial for all? How could this type of Christian community be a  change agent in your life, family, and world?
• Read through and discuss the following theological essentials on which all biblical  Christian fellowship is based and on which we must insist from fellow professing  believers are: 1. The inspiration of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:15-16). 2. The Holy Trinity:  Father, Son, Spirit (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9; Acts 5:3-5). 3. The Deity/Godhood of Christ  (Col. 2:9). 4. The virginal conception (virgin birth) of Jesus (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23).  5.The literal, physical resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:14; Luke 24:38-39).  6. Salvation by grace through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9). Beliefs that fall outside these  clear biblical teachings are called heresy. Biblical fellowship in the worship of God,  the work of God, and doing the will of God with others should be based on these  fundamentals, apart from which genuine Christian fellowship cannot exist  (Gal. 1:6-10). 
• Gather with each other and pray for each other’s growth and maturity in Christ.