Week 3: You were formed for God's family.

I forgot to put these questions up at the end of last week. So, I had to do some rearranging after putting up Sunday's Day 22 post. I almost left the discussion questions out altogether since no one was discussing them with me. But, I want to stay true to form, and I want to keep blogging in practice for the small group I will be leading on this book.

How is 'being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ' different from the way most people understand fellowship? Most Christians today see fellowship as hanging out for trivial conversation and snacks. Few are really committed to the people they sit next to every Sunday. They are not interested in helping other people grow spiritually.

What are the barriers that keep us from loving and caring for other believers? Personality differences are the biggest barrier, second would be putting worldly wants in front of other people's needs.

What would make it easier to share your needs, hurts, fears and hopes with others?I'm usually shy to open up, but in a group where other people are sharing I can share as well.

What are the most common excuses people give for not joining a church, and how would you answer them? I hate giving answers for what other people are thinking. I stayed away from joining a church after I moved for several reasons, I didn't know any one, I had scheduled work on Sundays, I had a bad experience in my last church. What I would tell people facing those issues is "you know me, come to my church", "Going to church is more fulfilling than working, but if you have to work Sunday, my church has fellowship groups all week long and sermons on podcast", and "take a chance, if you don't like my church, look for another one preaching the Bible and love of Jesus Christ.

What could our group do to protect and promote the unity in our church? I like the idea of a small group signing a contract, but even just making a pledge to one another, and constantly reinforcing the things we have in common rather than the differences will go a long way to promoting unity.

Is there someone you need to restore a relationship with that we could pray for you about? Yes, there is and I am pretty sure they are reading this blog. God knows who they are, if you could just pray that I am able to restore my broken relationship so that I don't take guilt and unresolved issues into the next life with me.