BIG IDEA
Godly friendships never leave you alone.
MESSAGE NOTES:
WHAT:
Have you ever been afraid of being alone? When? What happened?
We've been talking about how great friendships should be lifelines when we need help. Just like a safety net around a trampoline, great friends should be there when you bounce, when you fall, when you can't get back on your feet, and when you need someone to laugh (or cry) with.
SO WHAT:
Rip currents are one reason you should never swim in the ocean alone. You just never know when you might get sucked into a current and need someone to throw you a lifeline.
Life feels like this sometimes too. Things can get scary and lonely. When they do, you're going to need some security — a group of friends to remind you it's going to be okay.
There are a lot of moments in life that can make us feel isolated and alone, but we don't have to stay that way. When we're afraid, or grieving, or alone, Jesus gives us Himself, and God gives us each other.
Jesus lived His life in real, authentic relationships. He loved people deeply and well. And when His friends were suffering, He refused to leave them alone — even when it was dangerous for Him.
NOW WHAT:
When we stick together, other miraculous things could happen.
When life feels lonely, it's easy to believe the lie that you're alone, unsupported, and maybe even unworthy of friendship. That's why God wants to give us a lifeline of community.
When you feel alone, godly friendships remind you that you belong to a community of people who love you, who are fighting for you, and who are ready to die with you if necessary.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Q1: Have you ever been afraid of being alone? When? What happened?
Q2: Have you ever done something brave to help someone feel less alone? What was it? Has anyone
ever done that for you?
Q3: How can a friendship with God help us when we feel alone?
Q4: What stood out to you from the story we heard today about Jesus and His friends? Did anything
surprise you, confuse you, or encourage you?
Q5: Read Acts 2:42-47. Jesus' earliest followers did everything together — what do you think that was
like? What can we learn from their example?
Q6: Who is someone you could help feel less alone? What could you do for them?