Rhythms of Grace - Week 7 & 8 (16 March 2025) Fortnightly Life Group Jesus called out, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matthew 11:28-29, The Message) Study by: Ivan Cooper Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks, and Reflection Invite people to share in response to one of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Where and with whom have you witnessed to the love and good news of Jesus? Share how your experience of worship/Sabbath has gone. Care and Prayer In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene During Paul’s third missionary journey, he spent 3 years in Ephesus (Asia) before moving on to Troas and then Macedonia, where he wrote the letter of 2 Corinthians. He begins by describing the God of all comfort, who comforted them in all their affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Paul reveals the heartbreaking reality of their suffering in Asia, where they “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). Yet, this was to teach them to rely not on themselves, “...but on God” (2 Corinthians 1:9). The comfort they received was to be shared for the comfort of others (2 Corinthians 1:6). Even when Paul moved on to Troas, where a door of opportunity was opened by the Lord, his spirit was not at rest because he did not find his brother Titus there, prompting him to move on to Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:13). This letter highlights the deep partnership between Paul and his fellow Christian workers during their trials, which drove them closer to the comfort of their Savior. Paul understood the necessity of regular fellowship with others to grow and sustain his relationship with Jesus. What does (or could) engagement in a Life Group or New Testament community look like in your life? What have been some highlights of the Christian community for you? Read: Acts 2:42-47 & Acts 4:23-37 Take turns reading these passages as a group. What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as you read this passage? Or what question do you still want answered? What things happen when people get together regularly, centered around Jesus, the Bible, and God’s love for each other? How do you think being part of a community like this will grow your faith and deepen your relationship with God? How can you engage more fully in a Life Group? How can you allow your Life Group to support and encourage you? 3. Living out the Heart of God Choose a way to grow New Testament community through your Life Group: Join one of the Life Groups at Hope Valley Church: Life Groups (or send an email to hello@hopevalleychurch.com.au) Invite others to share a meal with your community group. Start a new Life Group. Train to be a Life Group Leader (email scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au). Be more intentional about your engagement in some aspect of your Life Group. Buddy up and touch base with one other person between your Life Group meetings as a way of mutual encouragement. Encourage a friend in their walk with God and share how God is working in and through your Life Group. Invite someone to join your Life Group. Make time to share in a deep friendship, sharing your successes and failures with a trusted person. Start a small prayer group. Commit to a Bible reading plan with a friend/group and complete the challenge together. Something else? Prayer for Each Other Break into 2s or 3s to pray: Pray for the people in your life that you would like to share the love of Jesus with and invite to your Life Group. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au