Sermon Outline
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In a local church, Christ makes His numberless family embraceable
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Christ’s family’s solidarity is magnified by its diversity
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We delight in the dearness of Christ’s hold of us by holding our church dearly
Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between a church and a group of Christians?
- Why is it impossible to showing loving commitment (forgiveness, patience) to the Universal church (all believers, all times, all places) without showing loving commitment to a local church?
- What three things must a group of Christians take responsibility for in order to be considered a church?
- What promises does God make to churches about completeness?
- Does God desire more or less churches in the world?
- What does God's Word insist a church have unity on?
- What kinds of diversity should be welcomed and cultivated and which ones are essential?
- Which of the kinds of diversity are you tempted to view as annoying vs. a benefit for your knowledge of Christ's love? Age, race, stage in life, gender, culture...?
- If the church is shaped by the News of what Jesus has done for us, how do the following 'design elements' for our treatment of our church adorn the Gospel?
- Commitment
- Self-forgetfulness
- Sacrificial generosity
- Giving others the gift of expecting to meet with us
- How does a biblical relationship with a local church family promote grace-based vs. performance-based relationships with other believers?
- Why should we not be surprised when God's desire for our relationship with our church changes the shape of our lives?
- What does the book of Hebrews about the relationship between holding fast to the gathering of your whole church family and holding fast to the Gospel?