The Right Community

Message Notes:

There are some people who believe that they are “better alone.” Some think they don’t need the church (or in community with others) to be spiritual.

•This is contradicted by scripture and by life

•see Hebrews 10:24-25 — 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

With this message, Byron will seek to emphasize that, not only do we need community, but we need some unusual aspects of community that we might not have thought necessary.

Major Theme: The best environment for spiritual growth is an environment in which we are stretched, tested, challenged, and pushed.

Look at the message of James 1:2-4

•2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. 

•The idea is that deep spiritual growth occurs within the context of troubles and challenges.

Discussion Questions:

Are you a “Lone Ranger Christian?” Do you try to live out your faith outside of the fellowship of community? 

•If yes, why? What do you think of Hebrews 10:24-25?

•If no, what are some aspects of your fellowship with other Christians that is most meaningful to you?

Byron spent a lot of time developing the idea that one of the best environments for spiritual growth is related to hardship, challenge and struggle.

•Do you agree or disagree? Why?

•Can you think of a time in your life when that was true for you?

•Why do you think we are so resistant to challenges and trials?

Do you have a “patience builder” or “EGR” person in your life? In what ways could you embrace their value to your spiritual life?