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This is the last lesson in the Unshakeable Faith Bible study. It has been a privilege to share it with you! The devotional is below. Access the 2-page Quick Study here.
Every Christian belongs to God’s family. When God saves us, He saves us into His family. We can never experience all God has for us apart from a local body of believers. Jesus made it clear to His disciples that God designed the Christian life to be lived in the context of community.
Unshakeable Faith trait eight: Connected to a local church body with love and service
Peter spent roughly three years learning from Jesus how to live in a community of believers. This group traveled together, ate together, and did life together. But Jesus didn’t merely teach about love and service. He set the example.
Read John 15:12-13. What command did Jesus give His disciples – then and now – on the night He was arrested?
How did Jesus ultimately show His love for us?
Our friend Peter learned what love looks like from Jesus. In his first letter, Peter encouraged his readers to also love like Jesus loved.
Read 1 Peter 3:8-9 and 1 Peter 4:8-10. List all the characteristics and behaviors that describe how we Christians should love one another.
Peter used the Greek word agape to describe the kind of love Christians should have for each other. According to the The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, “agape love is capable of being commanded because it is not primarily an emotion but a decision of the will leading to action.” Agape loves deeply, unselfishly, with the other’s best interests at heart.
God loves His children through His children. He cares for us, comforts us, provides for us, and encourages us through our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Do you know of a need right now in your church family that needs your love in action? List some concrete ways you can show your love.
God’s purpose for your life includes a vital connection to a local church body. He has designed this interdependent relationship to benefit each of us. When trials hit, God will use His body to hold you up and He will use you to encourage someone else. If you are not fully connected to a local church, don’t wait any longer!
Let’s talk! Let’s share today some of the ways God has loved you through the local church.
I’d also love to hear how this study has encouraged you in your faith!
A family in our church received a toddler aged foster child today, and they already have twin toddlers with some unique needs of their own. This family has a huge, loving heart and a unique strength God has planted in their marriage. Some of us are providing meals for them to help life their load during the first days with their newest addition. We hope the food will carry the message of “We support you, love you, appreciate you, and pray for you.” Real food still speaks volumes of love during extra-ordinary times.
Julie, that’s a wonderful example of how God uses His church to love and minister to His people! Thanks for sharing!
When my husband got a new job as the minister of worship&youth, it moved us to a new town as well as a new church. It’s always intimidating to be the new girl- especially the new minister’s wife- and our church blessed me beyond belief with true acceptance. Right off the bat on moving day, people I was just meeting showed up to help move us in. At church the women didn’t just learn my name, they invited me to dinner or girls’ nights soon after moving. They didn’t just act nice on Sunday, they “let me in” to their lives and accepted me into their fellowship, which is a gift I will always cherish.
Kendall, it encourages me to hear about your experience with a new church. I have also moved a lot because of my husband’s job and we’ve had to find a new church each time. Often, I have to be the one to reach out and work to make friends. It should be like you’ve described. Unfortunately, the church is made up of people who get wrapped up in busy lives. I pray God will help me keep the perspective that He wants to use me as His hands and feet to love and serve others. But I also get wrapped up in my own plans, calendar, and to-do list sometimes. May He keep our eyes and hearts open to welcome and love the ones He’s put around us!
As an introvert who would much rather stay home and read a book, I struggle with this part of Christianity. But Peter`s words are clear: “do” church!!! But when I read the comments already posted I see how important and helpful “doing” church is. Definitely an area to work on.
Kathy, thank you for this study. God has and is stretching me through it…..
Carol, so glad you joined us in this study! God designed the church for our mutual benefit. Sometimes it’s hard to initially get connected and find your place, but once you do it’s a wonderful lifeline!