James 5:13-16

What if the thing that leads to our greatest security in life is not building walls barriers, but rather building a connection?

Big Idea: The greatest peace we can experience is by living in authentic connection. 

Authenticity with God

"Our relationship with God is the foundation of our entire lives. It affects how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we see the world." - Charles Stanley

Genesis 3:6-10

• “made coverings for themselves.”

• “and they hid from the Lord God” 

• “I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

James 5:13

Psalm 139:23

“Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.” - Daring Greatly, Brene Brown

Authenticity with Ourselves

James 1:6-8

Romans 8:1-2

2 Corinthians 3:4-5

World’s view: You are/what you made yourself into.

Christian view: You are/what Christ has made you into.

Authenticity with Others.

"When we live in authentic community, we learn to trust, to forgive, and to serve one another. We become more like Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve." - Timothy Keller

1 John 1:9

Proverbs 28:13

Response:

• Enjoy vulnerability before God. 

• Be authentic with ourselves. 

• Experience healing in community.

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: Matthew 22:34-40

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)