Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt talked about how the church gives us hints of what heaven is like—and that’s why we meet corporately.

MY STORY | Starting Place
Who is someone in your life whom you accept unconditionally—even when it’s difficult to do so?

(Note: “Fully accepting” someone does not mean you’re tolerating irresponsible or unhealthy behavior.)

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. (Ephesians 2:14-16)

When have you experienced a wall of hostility with someone? Is it still standing? If not, what brought it down?

In what sense, given enough time [like eternity] would we want nothing to do with God (if we had not experienced saving faith)?

How are you doing addressing the tensions you may feel in your relationships with God and with others?

How do you know when someone has no real interest in being reconciled with you? What the healthiest response when this happens?

How do you know when resolving an ongoing conflict might be possible? What could you say to get the ball rolling on finding out?

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22)

Have you ever met a stranger, who turned out to be a believer, with whom you felt an immediate bond? If so, why do you think that sort of thing happens?

How does the Holy Spirit work differently through us as a body, than He does with us as individuals?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
When it comes to feeling loved, being accepted, frequently celebrated, and belonging, how is the church doing in that regard (for you)?

What grade would you give yourself for loving, accepting, celebrating, and including others at Crossroads.

How do our positive experiences at church gives us a hint of what heaven will be like?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
Determine this week show Christ’s compassion by loving, accepting, celebrating, or including someone in your life for whom this might be a challenge.