Following Jesus is more than attending church or identifying ourselves as Christians. It is a lifelong journey of redemption, renewal, surrender, and service.
Through baptism, we publicly identify with the transforming work of Christ. Through surrender, we learn to give our lives to God and others. Through participation in the local church, we grow together in faith. Through our actions, we become visible expressions of Christ’s love in the world.
Baptism represents more than a public declaration of faith. It symbolizes the redemptive work of Christ, the renewal of our lives through His grace, and our release from the bondage of sin into a new life of freedom.
When you think about your spiritual journey, what is one way God has been working in your life recently?
Baptism symbolizes redemption, renewal, and release. Which of these three aspects have you experienced most deeply in your walk with Christ, and why?
How has your relationship with Christ changed the direction of your life?
Are there areas of your life where you still need to experience God’s renewing work?
How can your testimony encourage someone who is beginning their faith journey?
Personal Reflection: What part of my life needs to reflect more clearly the new life I have received in Christ?
Dr. David Busic distinguishes between a life that is taken and a life that is given. As followers of Jesus, we are called to willingly surrender ourselves to God, allowing His love to shape our priorities, relationships, and decisions.
What does it look like to intentionally give your life to God and others out of love in your current season?
What is the difference between serving God out of obligation and serving Him out of love?
What might God be asking you to surrender in this season?
How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in your family, church, or community?
Personal Reflection: Am I giving God the best of my life, or simply offering Him what remains after everything else?
The early church demonstrated a deep commitment to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, and serving one another. Their faith was not simply something they believed; it was something they practiced together. A healthy church grows when its members move beyond simply attending services to connect with others, committing to spiritual growth, and serving in ministry.
The early church was devoted to attending, connecting, committing, and serving. Which of these areas comes most naturally to you, and which one challenges you the most?
What is the difference between attending church and actively participating in the mission of the church?
How does connecting with other believers strengthen your spiritual growth?
What is one practical way you could become more involved in the life and ministry of the church?
Personal Reflection: Am I simply attending church, or am I actively helping the church accomplish its mission?
Dr. Phineas F. Bresee emphasized that Christ is seen and felt through His people. Our relationships, attitudes, generosity, and willingness to serve can become powerful testimonies of God’s presence. The church becomes a visible expression of Christ when believers demonstrate His love beyond the walls of the church building.
How can your actions and relationships more clearly reflect the presence and character of Christ to those around you?
When people interact with you, what characteristics of Christ do you hope they experience?
How can our small group demonstrate Christ’s love to people outside the church?
Who is one person God may be calling you to encourage, serve, or invite into Christian community?
Personal Reflection: If someone could only learn about Jesus by observing my life, what would they discover about Him?
Hilltop 2×2 groups consist of 2-4 people who team up for a weekly gathering around a spiritual conversation.
Prayerfully consider starting a 2×2 group with those you know. Contact the office (248-348-7600 or office@hilltopnaz.org) to register your group.