Authentic Community

Have you ever collected or owned something that you thought was valuable, only to later realize it was inauthentic and fake? As we start our new series, Life Together, Scott Kedersha teaches our first building block of community: authentic.

KEY TAKEAWAYS -The bigger we become as a church, the smaller we must become so that everyone can be known and cared for. We do this through life groups. -To be authentic means to be real, genuine. To be who you say you are. -John repeats the idea that “Jesus is the light” all throughout his teaching. Without Jesus, we won’t see things on this earth clearly. He is the light we need to see things as they really are. -Authenticity starts by addressing our sin. -God hates when we minimize our sin. -Authenticity is necessary for fellowship. -These three words & questions are a great way to build authenticity in your life group: 1) Input - How are you feeding your soul? 2) Output - How are you feeding others? 3) Confession - How have you fed your flesh? -Going to life group and not confessing your sin and not being authentic is a terrible hobby and use of time. -Authenticity is necessary for forgiveness. -Is there a part of your life that you don’t want other people to see? Bring it into the light! -How to confess: Confess early. Confess at the thought level. Confess at the temptation level before it even becomes sin. -How to confess: Confess often. Confess everything you don’t want others to know. -How to confess: Confess in detail. Share 100%, not 98%. -The 30-seconds after someone confesses are extremely important. Your response to their confession will dictate whether they share more or they hide. Thank them, listen to them, ask them questions, pray for them. -What are you keeping from others? What are you hiding? What are you afraid to share? -The goal is not to be the most authentic person in the room. The goal is to become more like Jesus.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES -Scripture to study: 1 John 1:5-10; John 8:12, 9:5, 12:46; Proverbs 29:25; Romans 8:1; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13 -Sermon: Authentic (sermon series: Fresh Start)