The Church
7/23/2023
The Church is always a work in progress. From the missteps and mistakes of Jesus’ disciples to the latest church scandal, humans have continuously brought our brokenness into the church. Yet, despite our failures, Jesus said He would build His church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Join us for part 8 of Essentials to learn how the church is God’s plan and the front line of Heaven’s invasion of Earth.
Essential #7
The church is God’s ________ and the front line of ________________ ________________ of __________.
Passage
John 2:13-22
The Future Church…
Will depend less on buildings, programs, and professional clergy and more on the ________ ____________ to equip and empower the people of God to
complete Christ’s mission.
Will have a great commitment to the great ____________________________ and the great ____________________.
Great commandment: ________ ________________ ____________
Great commission: Make __________________ and __________ those who do.
Will focus less on church ____________ and more on church ____________ and ______________ growth.
Will be agents of ______________________________ and ____________________________ in their communities.
For Christ, for the city, for good.
Practice
____ the ____________.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What do you recall about the sermon on the Holy Spirit from the Essential series (June 25)?
HEAR
Read Romans 8:1-8
- What does it mean to live according to the Spirit? What does it mean to live according to the flesh?
- Do we automatically live according to the Spirit when we get saved? If not, why not?
- Can you share an example of when you stopped living according to the flesh and surrendered to life according to the Spirit?
Read Romans 8:9-11
- What are the consequences of having the Spirit of God dwelling in you? What does the absence of the Spirit indicate?
- Is it possible to be saved and not have the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
Read Romans 8:12-17
- What does it mean to be a debtor to the flesh? Can you give examples?
- How are we adopted into God’s family? What are the consequences of that adoption?
- What must we do to be heirs with Christ? How do we do that? How does that relate to our choice between living according to the flesh or according to the Spirit?
HUDDLE
Is there an area in your life where you still live according to the flesh? What would it take to surrender that part of your life to the Spirit? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
Our summer Bible reading plan will focus on passages related to our essential beliefs. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to affirm what is essential. How will this essential affect your life today?
- Day 1: Genesis 11
- Day 2: John 1
- Day 3: John 2
- Day 4: Matthew 16
- Day 5: Romans 8
- Day 6: 1 Corinthians 12
- Day 7: 1 Peter 2
Think Deeper
- What would happen to the church if everyone in it had your level of commitment to it?
- What motivates you to be a part of the church? What detours you from being a part?
- It has been said that the church is the hope of the world. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Suggested Resources
Essential Christianity, by J.D. Greer
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis
Basic Christianity, by John Stott
Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB