Following Jesus is not a solo journey but is designed to be experienced together. Sometimes the pace and structure of our modern lives seem to work against our ability to build meaningful relationships. However, being part of the body of Christ includes intrinsic connections with God’s people, and we want to create strong relationships so that we can follow Jesus together. Let’s explore some of the benefits we experience by pursuing growth together. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Hebrews 10:23-25 and then the extended section of verses 19-25. What are some of your initial observations about these verses? 2. How do verses 19-22 set the stage for the commands or encouragements in verses 23-25 or what is the relationship between this set of verses? Verses 19-25 are one long sentence as originally written in the Greek text. Does that make any difference in your observations or understanding? 3. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 4. Different types of friendship are important in our lives: close friends (likely few), convenient friends (work, neighborhood, interest), chapter of life friends (shared season or experience). How have relationships you’ve cultivated within church or within the body of Christ made a difference in your life? 5. Evaluate this quotation from Henry Cloud, “God created us with a hunger for relationship—for relationship with him and with our fellow people. At our very core we are relational beings…The soul cannot prosper without being connected to others.” How does our growth include our efforts and God’s grace and involve our relationship with God and with other people? 6. How could you develop relationships to influence others or influence someone else to hold onto hope in Jesus, become stronger through different seasons of life, or pursue growth by living the truth that we know through relationships you’ve already developed?