To describe the church to the person and define their commitment to the church.

THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

Colossians 1:15-18
-Who is the head of the church?

-Jesus has the supremacy in all things and holds the church together.

-What do you think this means, practically?

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Acts 2:42-47
-This is the first time the Bible shows us the Christian church. How would you describe it?

-It was a big, loving, spiritual family. The disciples helped each other whenever there was a need. They prayed together, ate together and worked in the Lord together.

-How often did they meet together? Why?

DAILY FELLOWSHIP

Hebrews 3:12-13
-We need fellowship with Christians daily for encouragement. 

-We need to make every effort to be at all of the services of the church or our family group so that we remain strong and so that we can help others be strong.

OPEN HOMES

Hebrew 10:23-25
-We need to open our homes to each other regularly in hospitality. Why do you think that is important?

ONE BODY

1 Corinthians 12:12-26
-According to this passage, at what point do we become part of the one body?

-What do we learn about the church from this analogy of the human body?

-What would happen if we separate ourselves from the body?

-Everyone brings in a different set of strengths, which we all benefit from. What do you think are the strengths you will bring to the church?

-How do you feel your need for the body right now?

DIVISIONS & DENOMINATIONS

1 Corinthians 1:10-13
-Divisions and denominations are not God’s will or plan for the church.

-Why do you think God is against divisions in the church?

ONE CHURCH

Ephesians 4:4-6
-How many churches does the Bible say there are? Answer: One

-Who is a part of that one church? Answer: Whoever has obeyed what the Bible has told them to do to be saved and is continuing to be faithful.

-If someone is trusting in their infant baptism to save them, are they a part of the one church?

-If someone is trusting in praying Jesus into their heart to save them, are they a part of the one church?

UNEVENLY YOKED

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
-What do you think being yoked means?

-God makes it clear that He does not want his people to be yoked together with someone who is not a true disciple. Dating and marriage are both yoked relationships. In other words, God wants true disciples to date and marry only other true disciples. This ensures that no one will be led away from the faith.

-What do you think could happen if you dated or married someone who was not a disciple?

ATTITUDE

Hebrews 13:17
-What does this passage teach that your attitude needs to be towards the leadership of the church?

-We need to follow the direction of our leaders, except if that direction goes against the Bible or our consciences. Having this submissive spirit enables the church to be unified and to advance God’s kingdom powerfully.

FINANCIAL SACRIFICE

1 Corinthians 16:1-2
-What does this passage teach about giving financially to the church financially?

-In the Old Testament, it was commanded that we give a tithe, or a tenth, of our income. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us to give sacrificially (Luke 21:1-4). We use a tenth as a guide knowing that in the Old Testament, this was what God thought was reasonable. However, each man must wrestle in his own heart to give to God joyfully and sacrificially.

-Once a year in May or June, we give a special missions contribution to support our missions local and abroad.