This week’s key texts are Eph. 5:25-27, Mt. 28:19-20, 1 Cor. 13:11, Heb. 13:17, Mt. 7:3-5, Rom. 7:19, and Eph. 6:12. You can view them all together at this BibleGateway link.

We invite you to ponder the week’s Bible passages and listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon), then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: Did you grow up going to church, or not? What was that like for you? —OR— How long have you been part of NPBC? What's one thing you appreciate about this church family?

A way to pray: Pray that we would be a healthy, life-giving church as we seek to see 2,000 people by 2022 baptized and growing in relationship with Jesus through the Word, prayer, and community.

• Treasuring God: When Jesus urged His followers to make disciples, He promised to be "with you always.” How does this assurance impact the way I live?

• Being Transformed: What childish ways need to change in my life for me to love as Christ loved the Church? How can I intentionally encourage others in this?

• Loving Others: Whom could I ask to help me see strongholds and “logs in my eye” that keep me from loving others? How would this help me love better?

• Pursuing Unity: When do I find myself comparing and complaining? How can remembering that Satan is the real enemy help me to pursue unity instead?