The Abundant Church
Despite our romanticism about the early church, they had their fair share of problems – favoritism, theological arguments, and divisions (to name a few). Yet there remained a vision of an abundant church – full of energy, unity, and life. While the church today navigates its own problems, how do we make the vision of an abundant church a reality?
In 1 Corinthians 14:12, Paul urges the church to “strive to excel at building up the church.” What does a church that is “built up” look like? List some of the qualities or characteristics of this kind of church.
In the sermon, we discussed how Christian cliches may lead to confusion and division. But is there a time and place for cliches? Can you think of situations where cliches are helpful linguistic tools?
Do you ever hear something at church, or read something in the Bible, and not understand what’s being said? Who do you go to ask questions about what these things mean? What qualities do they possess that make them safe and reliable?
In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul reminds the Corinthians that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” What is the connection between understanding and peace?
In Luke 12:12, Jesus tells His disciples, “the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what to say.” He makes this statement in the context of the disciples being brought to trial for their faith in Him. But in what ways do you depend on the Holy Spirit to teach you what to say at home, at work, or at church?
To the Church Called LifePoint
It’s one thing for you to evaluate your own spiritual progress. It’s another thing altogether to have Jesus give His critique of how you’re doing. Sometimes the truth hurts. If Jesus were to write a letter to you about what He thinks of your devotion to Him, what...
Who are you?
A believer's identity is in Christ. In Him we find true life, meaning, and purpose. Yet, it is common for believers to take their eyes off of Jesus and begin substituting other things in His place. We look for other ways to identify ourselves often choosing how we...
Count Me In
It shouldn’t surprise us that through the centuries, superstitions arise and thrive even among well-meaning church people. Most of these superstitions are based on a desire for a kind of good luck charm in a life filled with uncertainty and hardship. Even the practice...
A Call to Action
It is great to gather as the church. But we are also told by Jesus to “go” as the church, sharing God’s word with others and making them disciples. Fulfilling the Great Commission is not an option or a suggestion. It is a command to each of us as believers to actively...
A Brand New Day
While God never changes in His nature, He does change the way He works with human beings. Jesus announced a significant change when He held up a cup and identified it with His blood that would establish a new covenant. After being raised from the dead, Jesus told His...