Awaken Kingdom Community – Part 1
Introduction
This week, Pastor Bill looks at what it means to build authentic Christian community. In Acts 2, we see the early church intentionally devoting themselves to Scripture, fellowship, prayer and caring for one another. In a world where we can be more connected digitally yet still feel deeply alone, what might it look like for us to build the kind of community where people are known, cared for, and able to walk through life together?
Read: |
Discuss
- The early Church was devoted to life together, not simply attending the same gatherings. What stands out to you about the way they lived in community? What do you think made this community so meaningful?
- Read Acts 2:42. The believers devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Which of these areas comes most naturally to you, and which might require more intentionality in your Life Group or relationships?
- Acts 2 describes a community where people shared what they had and looked after one another’s needs. What does this challenge us to consider about the way we use our time, resources, and homes for others?
- Pastor Bill highlighted that community is formed, not found. Why do we sometimes expect meaningful community to happen naturally? What does intentionality look like when it comes to building deeper relationships?
- Pastor Bill used the idea of “fridge friends” – people who can step in and help when life gets difficult. Who are the people in your life who could do that for you? What might help you move some of your relationships from basic connections to deeper community?
- Authentic community comes with a cost. It takes time, energy, vulnerability, and a willingness to contribute. What can make us reluctant to invest deeply in community, and what helps us move from simply participating to taking responsibility for the community around us?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Think about the people God has already placed around you – at work, in your neighbourhood, among friends or even within your church community. Who might God be inviting you to intentionally move towards in this season? Is there someone who may need friendship, encouragement, or simply someone to notice them?
Respond
Authentic community doesn’t happen by accident. As you reflect on your Life Group and the people God has placed around you, what is one intentional step you can take this week to connect more deeply, contribute more freely, or care for someone around you?
The Ripple Effect – Part 2
Introduction
The ripple effect reminds us that what starts as something small can reach further than we ever expect. A simple conversation, an invitation, or a decision to invest in someone’s faith may seem small in the moment, but God can use it to create a ripple effect that touches people we may never meet. Jesus modelled this by preparing His disciples to carry on His mission, and their obedience helped the gospel reach far beyond their own circles. We may not see the full impact of our faithfulness, but we can trust God to work through the small steps we take today.
Read: |
Discuss
- Pastor Sam shared about his intense fear of birds which was influenced by his grandmother. What’s a habit, phrase or quirky behaviour you’ve picked up from someone else without even realising it?
- Read Luke 9:1–2. Jesus gave His disciples power and authority, then sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God. They were not simply learning from Jesus, they were being prepared to continue His mission. How do you understand the relationship between growing as a disciple and being sent to make disciples?
- In Acts 10, Peter’s decision to baptise Cornelius opened the way for the gospel to reach the Gentiles. Peter may not have fully understood the long-term impact of that decision. Can you think of a time when someone’s simple act of faith had a lasting impact on you? How does this challenge the way you think about the significance of your own everyday decisions?
- Pastor Sam shared the story of a young person who invited five friends to a youth event, all of whom responded to the gospel. Sometimes, a simple invitation or conversation can feel intimidating, and we may hesitate because we don’t know how someone will respond. What fears or assumptions can hold us back from sharing Jesus with others? What might it look like to take a small step of obedience and trust the Holy Spirit with the outcome?
- Read 1 Corinthians 3:6–7. We often want to see immediate results from our efforts but tend to underestimate what God can do through years of faithful obedience. How does this passage shape the way we understand our role in helping others grow in faith? What might it look like to remain faithful when we cannot yet see the fruit of our investment?
- Read Luke 10:1–3. Jesus sent out 72 followers to prepare the way for Him, expanding the mission beyond the original twelve disciples. What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ approach to multiplying His mission? What can we learn from the way He involved others in the work?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Is there someone you sense God prompting you to invest in, encourage or invite into a conversation about Jesus? Rather than feeling responsible for changing their heart, how can you take a simple step of obedience and trust the Holy Spirit to work in their life?
Respond
The ripple effect often begins with one small step of obedience. Think back to the last thing you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to do, whether it was to pray for someone, start a conversation, extend an invitation or invest in another person’s faith. What is one step you can take this week while trusting God with whatever impact may come from it?
Culture-proof – Part 3
Introduction
Laodicea, one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, had become proud of its wealth, industry and self-sufficiency. It was one of only two churches to which Jesus had nothing good to say. Their lukewarm spiritual lives had become detestable to God, yet they were blind to how far they had drifted. The letter’s invitation makes it clear that its warning and counsel are intended for churches throughout the ages, and its message is relevant for us today.
Read: |
Discuss
- Read verses 15–17. Laodicea believed it was rich and needed nothing, yet Jesus, through John, described it very differently. How can we become spiritually complacent without realising it? What might this look like in our own lives or church?
- Jesus describes the church as lukewarm. The hot springs of nearby Hierapolis offered warmth and healing, while the cold water associated with Colossae was refreshing. What happens when our faith loses its life-giving influence? How can we recognise when we are simply going through the motions of Christianity?
- Read verse 18. Jesus offers gold refined by fire, pointing us towards true spiritual riches rather than material wealth. What does it mean to pursue holiness in everyday life? When might following Christ require us to stand apart from the values or expectations of the culture around us?
- Jesus also offers white garments, in contrast to the fine black wool for which Laodicea was known. Read Ephesians 4:22–24. How can we ensure that our private lives reflect the righteousness we profess publicly? Are there attitudes, habits or compromises you need to bring before God?
- Read verses 18–19. Despite its medical expertise, Laodicea was spiritually blind. How might we become blind to our own weaknesses while readily seeing those of others? What would help us see ourselves more honestly through Christ’s eyes? Consider Psalm 139:23–24.
- Read verses 19–22. Jesus corrects those He loves and calls them to repent. He then stands at the door and knocks, inviting fellowship with those who hear His voice. What does it mean for Christ to be knocking at the door of a church or a believer’s life? What might prevent us from recognising His voice or responding to His call?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Identify someone who may need encouragement to renew their walk with Christ. Pray for them, asking God to help you see them as He does and to know how you might encourage them towards a deeper relationship with Him.
Respond
Jesus says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Awakening begins with an honest response to Christ. What is one area of your life where you need to move from complacency to renewed commitment? What practical step will you take this week to pursue His holiness, live out His righteousness, and respond to His call?