FBC Daily Devotions

In previous weeks, we looked at the priority of Reaching Up. The need to reach up to God with a life of worship, to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is our highest calling. Jesus is clear, however, that reaching up should result in Reaching Across – loving others as Christ loved us. While these devotions are about our personal relationships with Christ, the outworking of that relationship is seen in our relationships with one another. For the next month we will take a closer look at our relationships with our Community in Christ, From fellowship to friendships, may these devotions help you be a part of a healthy, growing community. –Pastor Mike

Home Group Questions
Week of October 6, 2008

*If time is short, be sure to ask these questions.

Opening: How have you seen God work this week?

1. We all share a common bond in Christ. There is no greater bond we can have with other people. But that bond can be damaged when we place other things ahead of our commonality. Sometimes that unity or commonality can be disturbed when we treat one another in ways that are unbecoming of Christ. How does knowing “we are all in this together” help in your treatment of a fellow believer?
2. When it comes to building a healthy, biblical community, Jesus set the standard by showing us what love looks like. It is a commitment to death. That is a high standard! We may not be called to die for someone (I doubt many of us will), but to the extent that we act sacrificially toward others shows the extent of our love. Over the past week, how were you challenged to go the “extra mile” to show sacrificial love?
3. God calls us not to merely respond in love, but to initiate love as well. Are there relationships in your life that need that kind of initiative? How can the group pray for you in this area? Have you ever been the recipient (outside of Christ) of an initiating kind of love? If so, what effect did it have on you and your relationship with the other person?
4. Jesus accepted and valued the lowly ones of this world. And then He called us to follow Him. Who are the lowly ones in your world? What are ways you can reach across to them?
5. *The Body of Christ should be a place where you feel valued. We should be able to be ourselves, even bring the worst of ourselves and not be rejected. It should be a place we can admit our failings and struggles and have them met with grace and support. What makes it difficult for people to live completely “inside-out”? Do you feel your Home Group is a place where you can admit your failings and struggles? Take some time to discuss this very important matter. If applicable, why might you be afraid to be vulnerable in this group?
6. Nothing builds community like spending time together. The early church met daily in houses and larger group gatherings. The greatest impact on people’s lives occurs in the context of consistent and frequent contact. How have you seen this to be true in your life? Have you seen the opposite to be true as well (i.e. that community is difficult without contact)? Take a look at your schedule – do you meet often enough with others to build a healthy community? If you are serious about community, what might need to change?

As you go into your prayer time, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?