Body table talk

What is the Church? The Church is the Chosen Family of the Father, the Body and Bride of Jesus, & The Dwelling Place of the Spirit.

1 corinthians 3:16-17

This verse is written to a church that is quarreling amongst themselves. In addition, the New Testament is full of verses warning believers against fighting amongst themselves and encouraging us to love one another. Why do you think the New Testament spends so much time on the topic of how believers treat one another?

Often times when a person uses the phrase “the Church” they are criticizing it for something they believe the Church has failed in. “The Church” becomes a symbol for all they dislike, so much so that some people claim to love Jesus but hate the church. Is it even possible to love Jesus and hate his body? How should knowing that the Church belongs to God shape the way we speak about it?

Heart

It is normal for fallen human beings to “insist on their own way”. However, knowing that the Church belongs to God should dramatically shape our response when things do not go our own way in the Church. When have things not gone your own way in the Church? How did you respond? In light of this truth, how might you respond differently in the future?

Hands

Do you have any concerns about our church that you think are not areas of preference (like the previous question) but areas of sin? Because the Church belongs to God, we can be assured He cares deeply about sin in His church. Is there sin in our church that you think is being ignored? Spend this week praying to God that He leads His church to repentance. Spend time asking Him to search your heart as well this week and to show you if you have any unrepentant or even unrecognized sin in your own life, so that you may repent and be more able to help your brothers and sisters repent. feet

Spend time praying this week for God to show you who in your life you can share the Gospel with in order to be a part of growing God’s Church.