RHYTHMS OF GRACE | COMMUNITY
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Series Overview
Practicing Life Together in a Lonely World
We live in a world that is more connected than ever, yet many people feel increasingly isolated. We long to be known, loved, and connected, but often find ourselves drifting through life alone. The good news is that this is not God’s design.
From the very beginning, Scripture reveals a God who exists in loving relationship and creates us for relationship as well. Jesus didn’t simply invite people to believe in Him—He invited them into a new family. Around tables, through shared lives, honest conversations, forgiveness, and faithfulness, God forms ordinary people into a community of love.
In this four-week series, we’ll explore the biblical practice of community and discover how spiritual growth happens best when we walk together. We’ll learn how to move beyond superficial relationships, share both our joys and sorrows, experience healing through honesty and grace, and develop the kind of enduring relationships that help us become more like Jesus.
Because following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey.
RHYTHMS OF GRACE
Series Theme
Grace is God’s invitation into His life.
The Christian life is not merely about believing in Jesus or following a list of commands. It is an invitation to participate in the very life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Throughout this series, we’ll discover the rhythms God uses to form His people into the likeness of Christ.
Series Big Idea
The rhythms of grace are the everyday practices through which God forms us to live the life He has always shared.
Series Bottom Line
Spiritual formation happens as we intentionally participate in the life of God together.
Week 1 | Community | The Father Created Us for Community
Primary Texts: Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 2:18; John 17:20–23
Big Idea: Before there was creation, there was communion. Community originates in the very nature of God.
Week 2 | Community | The Son Gathered Us into Family
Primary Text: Mark 3:31–35
Big Idea: Jesus didn’t simply gather crowds. He gathered brothers and sisters.
Week 3 | Community | The Holy Spirit Forms Us Around the Table
Primary Text: Acts 2:42–47
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit forms the Church through shared life more than shared events.
Week 4 | Service | The Father Gives
Primary Texts: Philippians 2:1–11; John 3:16
Big Idea: Love gives. The Father has always been giving.
Week 5 | Hospitality | Jesus Welcomes
Primary Texts: Luke 14; Luke 15
Big Idea: Jesus consistently made room for people who believed there was no room for them.
Week 6 | Generosity | The Spirit Creates Open Hands
Primary Texts: 2 Corinthians 8–9; Acts 4
Big Idea: Generosity flows from hearts that trust God’s abundance.
Week 7 | Mission | The Son Sends
Primary Texts: Matthew 28:18–20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8
Big Idea: God’s love never stops with us. It always moves through us.
Week 8 | Rest | Living from God’s Presence
Primary Texts: Genesis 2; Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4
Big Idea: Rest is not earned. It is received.
Series Conclusion
The Father created us.
The Son welcomed us.
The Holy Spirit forms us.
The Christian life is learning to participate in the life God has always lived.
Every rhythm—
Community
Service
Hospitality
Generosity
Mission
Rest
—is an invitation to experience more deeply the grace of God.
Final Take Home
Grace doesn’t simply forgive us. Grace forms us.
Resources for the Series
RHYTHMS OF GRACE
Life Group Guide | Week 1
Community
The Father Created Us for Community
Bottom Line
A life formed by Jesus is never lived alone.
Welcome
Begin by sharing a meal, snacks, or dessert if possible.
One of the central ideas from this week’s message is that transformation often begins around a table. Before you begin the discussion, spend a few minutes simply catching up and enjoying one another’s company.
Opening Question
What is one meal, gathering, or conversation you’ll never forget?
What made it so meaningful?
Scripture Reading
Read each passage slowly.
Genesis 1:26–27
Genesis 2:18
John 17:20–23
Take a minute of silence after reading.
Ask everyone to notice one word or phrase that stands out.
Sermon Review
Big Idea
Grace is God’s invitation into His life.
The first rhythm of that life is community.
Bottom Line
A life formed by Jesus is never lived alone.
Main Point
The Father Created Us for Community
Take Home Point
Because we are created in the image of a relational God, we are formed through relationships.
Digging Deeper
Read Genesis 1:26–27 again.
What do you notice about the words “Let Us” and “Our image”?
What do these verses teach us about the nature of God?
Before God created humanity…
what already existed?
Why does that matter?
How does understanding God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit change the way you think about community?
Genesis 2:18 says,
“It is not good for the man to be alone.”
Why do you think loneliness appears before sin enters the world?
What does that teach us about God’s design for humanity?
Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers would be one just as He and the Father are one.
What do you think that kind of unity looks like in everyday life?
Reflection
Pastor Donnie said,
“Before there was creation, there was communion.”