Getting Connected

God does not want us to be isolated as Christians. When we invited Christ into our lives we were born into God’s family (John 1v12). He’s our Father and other believers are our brothers and sisters. His purpose is to build a people who share their lives and his love in such way that his glory is displayed to the world. This community is at the heart of God’s eternal plan. We belong to one another and need each other in order to grow as Christians.

• What’s been your experience of church?
• How do you think of church?

What do we learn about our relationships with other Christians from the following?

• Matthew 12v46-50
• Romans 12v3-5
• Ephesians 3v8-11
• Hebrews 10v23-25

Read Matthew 22v36-39

God wants to use us to help others grow in their faith. He also wants to use others to teach us. God longs for his family to be close and to care for each other.

Read Acts 2v42-47

• What did Church look like for the first Christians?
• What effect did this have on outsiders?

Read 1 Corinthians 12v12-27

• Why does the Bible use the illustration of a body for God’s family?
• What do we learn about our relationship and responsibility to other believers?

Read Ephesians 4v11-16

• In what different ways does this passage talk about becoming mature?
• How do we ‘grow up’ and ‘become mature’ according to these verses?
• How can you make sure you receive all you need to grow towards maturity in your faith?
• What can you contribute to the body of Christ?

If we’re not already in a church then it’s helpful to have some pointers to find a good one. No church is perfect, even the churches described in the Bible had big problems, but the New Testament does give us some things to look out for:

• The Bible, not just the opinion of the preacher, is the authority for what’s taught.
• Look for a church that will affirm that Jesus is God in human form (John 1v1-3, 14).
• Look for a church where people have real, honest friendships and look out for one another.
• Is the church serious about praying, seeking and enjoying God?
• Is there a concern to make Christ known to others?
• Do the leaders win your trust and respect?

Application:

Think through two ways to deepen your friendship with other Christians. What encourages you to grow as a Christian? How best can you encourage others to grow in their faith? In what ways can you contribute to the life of a local church?

Navigation

• Agapé
• Knowing God Personally
• Move!
• Move Your Campus
• Move With Friends
• Be Moved
• Knowing God Personally
• Foundations
• Life Online
• Rock Solid
• Clean Slate
• Getting Connected
• Staying Online (1)
• Staying Online (2)
• New I.D.
• Travelling Light
• Bigger Picture
• Walk this Way