The Church of Joy, Williamson Ga

Last Sunday (August 18) we started a new sermon series called “I Love my Church.” Work through this study guide and see God work through you.

This series developed out of a simple phrase:
(NIV) - as each part does its work
(NKJV) - every part does its share
(NASB) - every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part
(NLT) - each part does its own special work

Let's look at this in context: Ephesians 4:11-16

The truth is, we each have a part to play which is part of a greater purpose - love God, love your neighbor.

In this series I will try to help you understand "your part" better. This series has a study guide that I'll provide. Listen to the sermons and work through the study guide. Let me know if you have questions. Let's begin:

Guiding Thought/Central Truth
We need each other. As Christians traveling the same path and experiencing similar life challenges, why wouldn’t we want to learn from those who have walked the path before us? They act as the GPS in our lives. They can show us how to successfully navigate the journey even when there is heavy traffic ahead! This week focuses on how building relationships—from the smallest of exchanges to the deepest friendships—can spur us on in the journey.

Getting Started
You will need a note card and pen. Mark an “x” on the card to represent the start of your journey with Jesus. Draw a line from the “x” to represent the ups and downs of your spiritual journey. The line will have hills and valleys depending on each person’s story. End the line on the other side of the card to represent where you feel you are spiritually at this moment. At each peak or valley, write the name of someone who helped you through the valley or encouraged you to reach the peak.

Focus on the people who have helped you in your spiritual journey.
Try to answer some of these questions:
• Did this person know they had helped you?
• How well did you know them personally?
• Are you still in contact with this person?
• Do you think your journey would have looked different if this person had not been there for you?

Introduction
As a body of believers, we come together with a common need for salvation. Our past and our present bind us in unity with each other. Our journeys may not look the same, but our destination is common. As we strive to be more obedient to Jesus, we need those who have traveled the road before us to help show us the way.

Think It Through
Read Hebrews 10:22-25 again.
• How does Hebrews 10:22 remind you of your life before Christ?

In what ways can you hold on to your faith without wavering?
Can this be accomplished without the encouragement of the church?

What significance does the church have in helping you to avoid the habits of your life before Christ?

List the ways these verses say the church should intervene in a Christian’s walk with Jesus.

In what ways does our church exemplify these traits?

What suggestions would you offer someone who wanted to do good deeds in our community? In our church? For you and your family?

Becoming one body in Christ involves meeting together regularly, inspiring each other toward good deeds, and encouraging each other when things get hard. We demonstrate love as a church when we recognize that together we help each other not to stumble. We need each other.

What are some actions that promote and cultivate love?

Think about a moment in your life when you felt supported and encouraged. How can you reproduce that feeling for someone in our church?

How has someone encouraged you without even knowing they did so?

How can loving the people in our church help us to avoid stumbling in our Christian walk?

Love requires action. Jesus intended for us to come together as one body in unity to withstand the difficulties that would come our way as we follow after Him. In the book The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, nine characters are thrown together on a dangerous quest. The characters are all very different from each other. Some of the group are strong in might, and others are strong in character. Some seem useless but later show a hidden attribute. Several of them show weakness, and the group helps them to overcome it. In the end, it’s obvious that not one in their party would have survived without every one of the others helping along the way. Jesus has planned for our survival. We need each other to accomplish His will. The first step on the journey is learning to love our church.

How Does This Apply to Me?
What are some things you are good at doing? How can you share that skill with someone in the church?

In what ways have you personally helped someone along in their Christian journey?

What can you do to make it easier for someone to connect with you at church?

How Does This Apply to Our Church?
How can we as a church be more intentional about helping people in their walk with Jesus?

What can we do to make it easier for people to find connections in our church?

If we made the assumption that everyone who sits around us in church needs some kind of encouragement, how would our actions change?

What Am I Going to Do with What I Know Now?
This Sunday morning challenge yourself to assume that everyone sitting around you desperately needs encouragement. Think of one small way to show them that you sincerely care about them. It may be a hug, a kind word, a smile, or simply trying to learn their name. Allow yourself to be open to sharing someone’s journey.