Going Deeper-"WE"-Session #2

This past Sunday we continued on in our series that is focused around this idea of "community." In week one we were all brought to the realization that we were created to not only be in relationship with God, but also with others. The Christian life was never meant to be done alone. With this said, we were still at odds with what this thing called "community" is actually supposed to look like.

Through the writings in Acts 2 and the beautiful example set before us by the early church, we learned what community is supposed to look like for us in our lives today. But here is the catch, genuine biblical community can never be down without the cross of Jesus Christ at the center. Acts 4:32 tells us that all the Christians "were one in heart and mind... No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." What was central to the Acts 2 early church- what their oneness in mind and heart was focused on, was the cross of Christ and what was accomplished there.

At the end of the night we were challenged to lay whatever our "barriers" are that are keeping us from jumping into community, at the cross of Christ. When Christ took our sin on Himself at the cross, with it He also took our shame, guilt, worry, and anything else that keeps us from experiencing life through Him. For some of us, worring about what others will think of us, is the barrier between us and the beauty of Christian community. For others, our barrier is focused around the time and effort it takes to take on someone else's burdens and trials. Whatever it may be for you, Jesus is calling us to lay it as his feet, so that we can live this Christian life together in authentic Christian community... So what's your barrier? Lay it at His feet...

This week, although we won't be meeting together due to the impending arrival of baby LeSuer, we still want to encourage you to take some time to think about your barrier and the beauty of community. Use these questions to encourage you as you seek greater depth in your walk with Jesus. Feel free to post a comment or two on this blog for others to read as you "dig deeper!"

1. Re-read Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35. What types of thoughts and feelings come over you as you read about the early church?

2. What is keeping you from jumping into authentic community?

3. What does authentic community look like in your teenage life?

4. What do you expect from others when it comes to authentic community? Do you expect the same from yourself? Why or why not?

5. What are the barriers to community standing in the way of our student ministry?

6. Why does the cross and what Jesus did there, have to be central to understanding what community looks like?

Have a great week!