Core Value: Pattern
Why are we here? Why church? What is the draw besides worshipping God, which is the main reason. Why do we even bother to show up and socialize? Why not just come to the worship center, sing, give tithes, hear a sermon and go? Matthew 25:40
NEEDS
Hebrews 10:24-25
Paul seems to be indicating that WE are responsible for keeping each other in check. WE are responsible for helping each other in times of need. Church is meant to be a place where we can get what we need to be faithful and successful followers of Christ.
WANTS
Acts 2:44-47
We all want to find ourselves in a place with friends who share our beliefs and likes. Whether it be a friend's house, a certain sport, etc. We make it a point to get there. We devote our time, energy, money and other resources getting there and making sure we can stay. The reason why we try so hard to get to these places or be in these environments is because we are happy when we're there. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to try real hard or pay any money to be somewhere that I'm not happy.
- Have kids give examples of places they'd want to be.
- Ask what they have done or sacrificed in order to get to these places.
- Ask them if they've ever been around people they can't relate to and whether or not it was uncomfortable.
PROTECTION
1 Peter 5:8
Lions work by dividing and conquering, just like Napoleon. Satan is not dumb, he knows that the best way to get someone to fall, is to separate them from the "pack".
- Share where you'd be if you weren't involved in church right now.
Do any of you think there's something that you could've done or not done that would cause a fellow believer to "separate from the herd"? Have you done anything to cause a non-believer from ever wanting to attend church again? What are some things that cause you to want to leave church or not show up for a while? Discuss these things in your small groups.