What’s the Big Deal about Belonging?

Speaker: Daniel Erasmus

Worship: As we go into this new week not knowing what it holds, we can be confident that the one who knows all has our best interests at heart. While we listen to the worship song “That’s the Power”, whether in your devotional time or at life group, let’s remind ourselves that there is healing at the mention of HIS name. That strongholds break and battles are unravelled. We can claim that same power today and declare His name over every situation we face and allow Him to make a way.

Check-In: Last week we discussed “Sharing our story” and how we can do this in a practical way with our words. Share with the group if you had an opportunity to “share your story” this week and what the experience was like. Remember that this is different for each one of us.

Bible Readings: Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 4:8-12; John 13; Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10; John 14:1; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Corinthians 13:11; John 16:1; Ecclesiastes 4:12; John 17:1,9; Ephesians 6:18

Preparation and Discussion for Group Time:
Importance of Belonging:
“What is the big deal about BELONGING?” This is the question we were asked on Sunday. In Genesis 2:18 we read that God did not see it fit for man to be alone. In fact, this is the first thing that HE addressed in the Garden of Eden. Let’s take look at what Jesus teaches us about belonging.

1. “I need people who will care for me”: In Eccl 4: 9-10 (NLT) it says that “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” On the days when you feel like you can’t go on, you’ll need someone to come alongside you and help you. We may struggle with receiving help, but it is important to have one or more to depend on. Share with each other who is your support aside from your biological family.
2. “I need people who will encourage me”: Read – John 14:1; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Corinthians 13:11
   Who doesn’t need encouragement? A meaningful text at the right time. Share an occasion when someone encouraged you when you needed it most. How did that make you feel? OR can you identify a time when you really needed encouragement but had no one? How did that make you feel?
3. “I need people who will partner with me”: Isn’t it great to share a meaningful experience with someone?Linking arms with someone when doing something that matters makes the task that much better. Ecclesiastes 4: 9 says that two are better than one. Serving together in a team not only makes serving easier but also builds relationships/friendships. Share with the group where you are currently serving and how this has impacted your life. If you’re not currently serving, what is preventing you from taking this next step, and in which area do you see yourself becoming part of a team?
4. The last two points are “I need people who will protect me”: Read John 16:1 and Ecclesiastes 4:12 and “I need people who will pray for me”: Read John 17:1, 9 and Ephesians 6:18. These scriptures highlight the importance of having someone who will watch your back, someone who will stand in prayer with you when you need it. Are you able to name those you are connecting with and watching out for or supporting in prayer? Share with the group how you have or could be practicing this with those in your group or close to you. Just as we value these 5 needs in our own life, we are also able to demonstrate them to others.

Check out and Prayer: As we check out, go around, and share what step you can take in this coming week to be someone who “BELONGS” or how can you help someone else feel like they “BELONG”. Take time to pray for each other – that the Holy Spirit will make us more aware of the need of others and allow us to be more vulnerable in sharing our needs with those in our group.

Love God:
Memory verse: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

For personal study, here are suggested YouVersion devotionals:

• Doing Life Together by Markey Motsinger
• Better Together: Seeking God With Others by the You Version

Love People:
During your prayer time this week, ask God to:

• Help you identify those who may need encouragement/prayer.
• To enable you to share your concerns and prayer needs with others.
• To show you in which area you should serve (if you’re not already serving).
• For opportunities to live out the BLESS principles daily.

There are several next steps you can take on your discipleship journey over the coming weeks:

• take a step of obedience – Baptism,
• join Discipleship 101 if you are new to Christ,
• join a serve team; there are various areas where volunteers are needed. An immediate need is at Elevates “Launch” on Friday the 30 September.

Sign up online via Church Center or the website.