Categories: Preparing for Sunday

Simplicity-Week 5

Dear Friends,

My prayer is that you have remembered to worship God with all your heart continuously this week. As we learned you don’t have to gather in a building to worship God. You should do that with every breath as you are aware of who God is and all of His creation.

So why go to church?  What is the value in gathering week by week?

These are questions most of your friends and neighbors ask. These are questions that most young adults have yet to hear a convincing answer for. The result is that ninety percent of those folks we live and work with don’t see much value in the habit of gathering together with fellow believers. You may be a believer reading this who seldom if ever goes to a church anywhere.

I understand you may have many reasons or just don’t see the point.

Please give me one chance to show why going to a church gathering is important.

I really want you to come hear me out Sunday in person. But you may be reluctant or unable to attend.

You can watch the live feed online on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/toledofirstbaptist then click on the video link. You can also go to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff252_Z_n14R41Lyd2cFOA?app=desktop

I really want to share what God says about the original community and what it can do for you. but what you get is not the end of  true community. It is just as much what you can bring to a common life we live.

Please try to make it. I can’t wait to see your face. Make an effort to check out a small group.

Blessing,

Joe

STEPS TO PREPARE

PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.

PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.

INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Try doing a few things as you get ready for Sunday. Read the following scriptures and consider the questions.

 

What are the reasons your friends and family give for not going to church?

 

 

Why do even believers increasingly not see any point in gathering with a church?

 

 

What brought you to a church?

 

 

What are the reasons you continue to gather?

 

 

What brought those early believers together?

Act 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Act 2:43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Act 2:44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

Act 2:45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Act 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Act 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 

 

What was it about their common life {fellowship} that made their witness so powerful?

 

 

What is it about having all things in common that seems so foreign?

 

 

Was your family culture loving and affirming?

 

 

Where did you learn to love and get along with others?

 

 

Why is learning to live in harmony so important to believers?

Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

 

How can being more aware help to serve more lovingly?

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another because love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 

 

What is the difference between thinking like a community and thinking like a customer?

 

 

What is a need you want to meet? How can we pray for you?

Karen Bell

Administrative Assistant - Click Here for full profile