The Bridge Church
Renewed Series - Authentic Community
January 19, 2025
Locations & Times
Englewood SKY Academy
871 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
Sunday 9:30 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
“Hyper-individualism has led to a society where people live further and further apart from one another socially, emotionally, and even physically.” — David Brooks.
1. Love one another deeply
2. Selflessly serve one another
3. Support one another faithfully
4. Show hospitality to one another
“Gospel hospitality is welcoming people into your living space and treating strangers as family so God can turn some of them into friends.” Tim Keller
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390
I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve
I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390
I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve
I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
Dig Deeper:
1. What do the words “authentic biblical community” bring to mind? What other words are associated with these words?
2. Describe your experience with an “authentic biblical community,” either in the past or currently.
3. Would you describe Americans as among the loneliest people in the world? Why or why not?
4. What are some common factors that contribute to people struggling to connect relationally?
5. Read Romans 12:9. What was Paul talking about right before this is Romans 12:8? Is this statement related to those before it? Why or why not?
6. What does it mean for love to be without hypocrisy? What is hypocrisy? What other word could be used here in Romans 12:9?
7. Read Romans 12:10. Who produces genuine, deep love within us? Is it possible for us to produce this type of love on our own? Why or why not?
8. Provide examples of what it looks like to take the lead in honoring someone else? What does it mean to honor someone else?
9. Read John 13:34-35. Why does God want us to love one another?
10. Read Romans 12:11. Define these words: diligence, zeal, fervent, serve.
11. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Describe a time in your life when you experienced this personally.
12. Read Romans 12:12. What does it mean to rejoice in hope? How are all three of these actions (rejoice, be patient, be persistent) related?
13. How can we support others using what is shared in Romans 12:12?
14. Read Romans 12:15. Describe a time when someone wept and/or rejoiced with you.
15. Why should relationships be focused on helping each other become more like Christ, instead of hobbies or opinions?
16. Read Proverbs 17:17. Have you ever walked with someone through a difficult time? How did it affect your relationship with that person?
17. Read Romans 12:13. What is true gospel hospitality? What are not-obvious examples of hospitality?
18. Read Romans 15:7. Why are we hospitable?
19. Read John 15:12-13. Provide examples of how Jesus showed us what authentic community looked like.
Live It Out:
Are you connected into a group where you can know others and be known? Our hope is for everyone at The Bridge Church to be connected relationally with others in biblical community. A small group is your lifeline and support here at The Bridge Church. If you are not yet in a group, sign up and attend GroupLink on January 26. www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
Are you already connected in a group? Intentionally live out the following in your group, as well as with others outside your group: love deeply, selflessly serve, support others faithfully, and show hospitality. Write down tangible ways in which you can do each this week and beyond.
1. What do the words “authentic biblical community” bring to mind? What other words are associated with these words?
2. Describe your experience with an “authentic biblical community,” either in the past or currently.
3. Would you describe Americans as among the loneliest people in the world? Why or why not?
4. What are some common factors that contribute to people struggling to connect relationally?
5. Read Romans 12:9. What was Paul talking about right before this is Romans 12:8? Is this statement related to those before it? Why or why not?
6. What does it mean for love to be without hypocrisy? What is hypocrisy? What other word could be used here in Romans 12:9?
7. Read Romans 12:10. Who produces genuine, deep love within us? Is it possible for us to produce this type of love on our own? Why or why not?
8. Provide examples of what it looks like to take the lead in honoring someone else? What does it mean to honor someone else?
9. Read John 13:34-35. Why does God want us to love one another?
10. Read Romans 12:11. Define these words: diligence, zeal, fervent, serve.
11. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Describe a time in your life when you experienced this personally.
12. Read Romans 12:12. What does it mean to rejoice in hope? How are all three of these actions (rejoice, be patient, be persistent) related?
13. How can we support others using what is shared in Romans 12:12?
14. Read Romans 12:15. Describe a time when someone wept and/or rejoiced with you.
15. Why should relationships be focused on helping each other become more like Christ, instead of hobbies or opinions?
16. Read Proverbs 17:17. Have you ever walked with someone through a difficult time? How did it affect your relationship with that person?
17. Read Romans 12:13. What is true gospel hospitality? What are not-obvious examples of hospitality?
18. Read Romans 15:7. Why are we hospitable?
19. Read John 15:12-13. Provide examples of how Jesus showed us what authentic community looked like.
Live It Out:
Are you connected into a group where you can know others and be known? Our hope is for everyone at The Bridge Church to be connected relationally with others in biblical community. A small group is your lifeline and support here at The Bridge Church. If you are not yet in a group, sign up and attend GroupLink on January 26. www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups
Are you already connected in a group? Intentionally live out the following in your group, as well as with others outside your group: love deeply, selflessly serve, support others faithfully, and show hospitality. Write down tangible ways in which you can do each this week and beyond.
Reading Plan:
Monday: Romans 12:9-10
Tuesday: John 13:34-35
Wednesday: Romans 12:11
Thursday: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Proverbs 17:17
Friday: Romans 12:12-15
Saturday: Romans 15:7, John 15:12-13
Monday: Romans 12:9-10
Tuesday: John 13:34-35
Wednesday: Romans 12:11
Thursday: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Proverbs 17:17
Friday: Romans 12:12-15
Saturday: Romans 15:7, John 15:12-13