Part 3 - The Good & Beautiful Community - The Christ-Centred Reconciling Community Study by: Dean Brookes Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel. GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER Invest a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present, give time to getting to know each other. Perhaps sing a song that expresses the joy and support of Christian community. You are invited to pray together: Almighty God, you have called the church into being and have gathered us into one family. By the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to live in harmony and peace, and to value each person as beloved with their unique personality and contribution. May our actions bear the fruit of our faith in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. FOCUS Our series ‘The Good and the Beautiful’ is based on three books by James Bryan Smith. Our focus throughout August is on the third book 'The Good and Beautiful Community’, helping us to know how to live in relationship with others as apprentices of Jesus. SETTING THE SCENE The Church today has numerous denominations and expressions worldwide. Historically there has been division East (Orthodox) and West (Catholic), then Reformation which led to Protestant Denominations and National Churches. There are differences over theology, doctrine, and structures. On local levels, there have been church splits and factions. The governing narrative seems to be that people must separate from those with whom they disagree or those who are different in things like appearance, worship style, and belief. The Bible often addresses the problem of people having difficulty being together. The New Testament gospel offers and urges a better way. OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Questions: What do you think about the notion that if we disagree we must divide? How do you typically relate to people with views different from yours? Read: 1 John 3:11-24 What is the essence of these verses? How do you respond to the narrative that goes like this: If you do not look, act, worship, or believe as I do, but your heart beats in love for Jesus, then regardless of our differences, we can and must have fellowship with one another? (From page 89, The Good and Beautiful Community) Read: John 17:20-25, Colossians 3:11-15, Ephesians 4:32 What are essentials that should keep a church together? (e.g., in terms of beliefs, behavior, practices…) What are non-essentials over which we can show liberty? When have you experienced a sense of unity with a diverse group of Christians? What created that unity? Are there boundaries that might be created or issues that require exclusion? LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD What can you do to love those with whom you disagree? Personally consider what you can do to participate in building up the church in love and unity as the Body of Christ. PRAYER Pray for those you perceive to be different from you. Pray for unity, based on understanding and love in Christ. Pray that more people will respond to God’s love in Christ and come into a relationship with him. Pray that as God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, we might faithfully follow as people recruited to the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19) Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au