Community Sunday!

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Colossians 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Summary: Christian community offers what no one else can because it has Jesus at the centre. Discussion Questions: 1. What do you think of when you hear the word community? How is currently expressed in your life? 2. Read this quote by James Smith and ask yourself, why is this is important in regards to Christian community? " Communities become others-centred when they are steeped in the narrative of the kingdom of God, a place where grace is spoken and lived for as long as is needed…Our leader came and served and then died for the good of others. I suppose that would be a pretty good mission statement for a church, but one I am not likely to see: “We exist to serve others and then die, just like our Founder.” 3. Paul says in verse 14, And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Why is God’s love necessary in a community? 3. In living out community, individuals can find both security and significance because people want to be accepted for who they are, but they don’t want to stay that way. We are always looking for freedom and worth. How does 4. The Christian drama is an ongoing drama performed by a people who live in a wide variety of times and places and we should pay attention with all the critical tools at our disposal to the crucial difference between TELLING A STORY DIFFERENTLY and TELLING A DIFFERENT STORY. Have you had an opportunity to tell the ‘different story’ of Jesus in your community? How did it go? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]