Family Values: Part 1 – Whetting Your Appetite

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 3rd July, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:
 
Reading:

Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17 (NLT)

As iron sharpens iron,
    so a friend sharpens a friend.

Matthew chapter 18 verse 20 (NIVUK)

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”



Prayer & Reflection
 
Dear God, forgive us for allowing ourselves to become dulled to you for lack of sharpening. Help us to identify people in our lives who will be friends that sharpen us, even as we sharpen them. Help us to be open and honest as we commit to the joyful and sometimes process of being honed and sharped. Whet our appetites for more you dear Lord and help us to sharpen each other, as iron sharpens iron. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


 
Questions to Consider
1) Are you currently in a formal EBC ‘Life Group’ or in a group that fits the bill as somewhere where you are able to be open, honest and accountable? Who are the people you can really talk about stuff with, and who sharpens you?
2) Is there currently a difficult issue in your life that you are trying to deal with alone? Who could you reach out to, who might prayerfully ‘bring Jesus in on the scene’.with you?
3) Do you consider Jesus as a friend? What might build friendship with him – more communication (prayer)?
4) Think about the groups you are in, the people you walk with in your faith and what the nature of your conversations is. What is the place of prayer, worship, accountability in these relationships? Any gaps there?
5) Is there a new group you could form, or be a part of, that would fit the description of a Life Group? See below.