The Navigators - Christian Community: A Bible Study on Being Part of Gods Family

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Christian Community: A Bible Study on Being Part of Gods Family

Copyright 2022 by The Navigators. All rights reserved.

A NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers

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Written by Jack Kuhatschek

The Team:

David Zimmerman, Publisher; Caitlyn Carlson, Editor; Elizabeth Schroll, Copy Editor; Olivia Eldredge, Operations Manager; Sarah Susan Richardson, Designer

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, NewInternational Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true to life and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

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ISBN 978-1-64158-523-1

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The topical guides in the LifeChange series of Bible studies cover important topics from the Bible. Although the LifeChange guides vary with the topics they explore, they share some common goals:

1. to help readers grasp what key passages in the Bible say about the topic;
2. to provide readers with explanatory notes, word definitions, historical background, and cross-reference so that the only other reference they need is the Bible;
3. to teach readers how to let Gods Word transform them into Christs image;
4. to provide small groups with a tool that will enhance group discussion of each passage and topic; and
5. to write each session so that advance preparation for group members is strongly encouraged but not required.

Each lesson in this study is designed to take forty-five minutes to complete.

The study begins with an overview of Christian community. The key to interpretation for each part of this study is content (what is the referenced passage about?), and the key to context is purpose (what is the authors aim for the passage as it relates to the overall topic?). Each lesson of the study explores an aspect of biblical community, with a corresponding passage from the Bible.

Bible study provides different lenses and perspectives through which to engage the Scripture: observe (what does the passage say?), interpret (what does the passage mean?), and apply (how does this truth affect my life?). Some of the how and why questions will take some creative thinking, even prayer, to answer. Some are opinion questions without clear-cut right answers; these will lend themselves to discussions and side studies.

Dont let your study become an exercise in knowledge alone. Treat the passage as Gods Word, and stay in dialogue with Him as you study. Pray, Lord, what do You want me to see here?, Father, why is this true?, and Lord, how does this apply to my life?

It is important that you write down your answers. The act of writing clarifies your thinking and helps you to remember what youre learning.

Throughout the guide, there are study aids that provide background information on the passage, insights from a commentary, or word studies. These aids are included in the guide to help you interpret the Bible without needing to use other, outside resources. Still, if youre interested in exploring further, the full resources are listed in the endnotes.

Unless otherwise indicated, the Bible quotations in this guide are from the New International Version of the Bible. Other versions cited are the English Standard Version, the New Living Translation, the Revised Standard Version, and the New Revised Standard Version.

Use any translation you like for studyor preferably more than one. Ideally you would have a good, modern translation such as the New International Version, the English Standard Version, the New Living Translation, or the Christian Standard Bible. A paraphrase such as The Message is not accurate enough for study, but it can be helpful for comparison or devotional reading.

A psalmist wrote, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). If you write down a verse or passage that challenges or encourages you and reflect on it often for a week or more, you will find it beginning to affect your motives and actions. We forget quickly what we read once; we remember what we ponder.

When you find a significant verse or passage, you might copy it onto a card to keep with you. Set aside five minutes each day just to think about what the passage might mean in your life. Recite it to yourself, exploring its meaning. Then, return to the passage as often as you can during the day for a brief review. You will soon find it coming to mind spontaneously.

A group of four to ten people allows the richest discussions, but you can adapt this guide for other-sized groups. It will suit a wide range of group types, such as home Bible studies, growth groups, youth groups, and workplace Bible studies. Both new and experienced Bible students, and new and mature Christians, will benefit from the guide. You can omit or leave for later any questions you find too easy or too hard.