A. MAKING A COMMITMENT TO FOLLOW JESUS

“YOU BELONG TO THE FAMILY” was the phrase used as we met Sue, Bernice, and Darrell. Another new believer expressed how lonely he was in this life. He wanted to meet Christ, but he also expressed his need for people. He said that he could not find people who would love and care for him. He was alone. When we told him that as a new believer he belonged to the family of God and our local family, a smile and tears began to run down his face. He had found what he was looking for as he discovered and made his commitment to follow Christ. It was very moving to see this emptiness be filled in his life.

When someone is born into God’s family as a result of a commitment to follow Jesus, the Bible describes them as “Born Again.” In John chapter 3 you can read more about being born again. This means you are born into God’s family. You belong to a family. That means there are relationships to develop in knowing others in this family. The strengthening of these family ties will help you grow and deepen relationships with others who belong to God’s family. The Bible gives some key steps for us to get involved with other followers of Jesus. This can happen in a local church fellowship small group or one-to-one relationship. A key verse to look at this is:

Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and more as you see the Day approaching.”

1. What does it mean to spur one another toward love and good deeds?

2. Why is meeting together so important?

3. How do you see these meetings happening?

4. What should happen in these meetings? What is the day approaching?

1. How have you been encouraged in your commitment so far?

2. What steps can you take to find this level of relationship?

3. When would you like to get started?

4. What is hindering you so far from being with other family members in God’s family?

5. How do we overcome that?

6. How can I help?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?