Connection Group Questions April 11, 2021
Series: Signs of Belonging
Message: Bringer
“And he brought him to Jesus.”
John 1:42
Opening
Who brought you to Jesus? Share with the group about the person or the time when someone brought you to meet Jesus.
The “spark” for this series was the Heidelberg Catechism. Here’s the full text of Q&A #1:
Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own,1 but belong—body and soul, in life and in death2—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.3. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,4 and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.5 He also watches over me in such a way6 that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven;7 in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.8. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life9 and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.10
1 1 Cor. 6:19-20. 2 Rom. 14:7-9. 3 1 Cor. 3:23; Titus 2:14. 4 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:2. 5 John 8:34-36; Heb. 2:14-15; 1 John 3:1-11. 6 John 6:39-40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:5. 7 Matt. 10:29-31; Luke 21:16-18. 8 Rom. 8:28. 9 Rom. 8:15-16; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 5:5; Eph. 1:13-14. 10 Rom. 8:1-17
From the series introduction: “Belonging speaks of something deep within us. The need to have a people, a place, a purpose. The need to be part of something bigger than our own lives. Belonging does for us what soil does for seeds-it grounds us, nurtures us, and frees us to blossom. Far too many live with belonging. They are isolated, estranged and disconnected. But it doesn’t have to be this way.”
Feel free to discuss this Catechism question and answer. Is this new to you? What does it stir in you? Did you grow up with this; is it familiar and comforting?
After, or otherwise, jump right into the Bible study.
Discuss
Read John 20:19-31
This text is about the resurrection! Praise be to God.
This text is also about addressing reasonable doubts regarding faith and Jesus. Thank you Thomas and John.
But a sub-text of this story is that the disciples did not abandon Thomas in his doubt and even his antagonism. They welcomed him and he was with them when Jesus appeared a week later. They effectively brought Thomas back to Jesus.
George started the message saying,
“Attending is great;
Inviting is better;
Bringing is biblical.”
How are you at in all three areas: are you committed to giving attention to God in worship; publicly and private; on the Lord’s Day and throughout the week?
Are you committed to inviting? DO you intentionally look for ways to naturally introduce faith int conversations? Are you regularly inviting others to worship or other ministry opportunities?
Are you a bringer? Who could you prayerfully seek to bring to Jesus? Would you start with worship, or a service opportunity, or just sharing the gospel with them personally?
Feel free to discuss other great bible stories of “ bringers.” What other insights or inspiration do these stories teach us about being Bringers to Jesus?
Apply
Go back and consider who brought you to Jesus. If possible commit as a Group to pray by name for people you want to bring to Jesus. Could you invite someone join your Group the next time you gather?
