Study Series: The Church

1. Study Series: The Church

2. The Quiz on Baptism Write out the book, chapter and verse for the below scriptures. Book-10pts Chapter-10pts Verses-10pts 1 “ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3: 3-5 2 “ And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts 22: 7-16 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” 3 Colossians 1: 13-14 • Point of the Passage • We are baptized into Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection • Not a symbol but participation in the death of Christ • We, too, will be raised to a new life through baptism. • Thus, we are born again 4 Romans 6: 1-4

3. What is the Aim of this Study? Encourage the seeker that each will not be left to fend for one’s self after baptism. Instead, Jesus baptizes us into the body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13) to be joined by a team of like-minded disciples in our devotion to Him. These brothers and sisters are meant to be a continual source of encouragement in our walk with Christ. Even more good news!

4. The Church Study • Acts 2:40-47 • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 • Ephesians 4:1-16 • Hebrews 10:22-25 • Hebrews 3:12-14 • 2 Corinthians 8:7 “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”- Hebrews 3:12-14

5. Determine the Following People in Your Group No one person can be chosen twice The Oldest Disciple The Youngest Disciple The Group Leader-Woman The Assistant Group Leader-Man The Disciple with the Oldest Kids-Man The Disciple with the Youngest Kids-Woman Pick someone • Ephesians 4:1-16 • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 • Acts 2:40-47 • Hebrews 3:12-14 • Hebrews 10:22-25 • 2 Corinthians 8:7 The Above Disciples will be teaching the studies to the group

6. Teaching the Church Study • Acts 2:40-47 • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 • Ephesians 4:1-16 • Hebrews 10:22-25 • Hebrews 3:12-14 • 2 Corinthians 8:7 “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”- Hebrews 3:12-14

7. Acts 2:40-47 • Scriptural Background • Peter has preached 1st Sermon on how to be saved • He Preached: Jesus Crucified, Sin, to Repent and be Baptized • He Pleaded for them to be urgent • Point of the Passage • Baptized and added to the number of believers. • The first 3,000 converts joined together in devotion to the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. A beautiful view of the early church • Purposeful Questions • What do you think it would have been like to be apart of this 1st Century Church? • How would such a church be received today? • What will your life be like when you are baptized into the church?

8. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 • Scriptural Background • Paul teaches how the Holy Spirit gives members of the body different kinds of gifts and service • The same spirits gives the various gifts • Point of the Passage • The Spirit baptizes us into the body of Jesus, his church. • The church consists of distinct yet unified parts, just like a human body. God, Himself, has arranged it this way. We are the church. • Purposeful Questions • Why must every part appreciate and support one another? • How will you help build up the body of Christ?

9. Memory Scripture “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” Hebrews 3:12-14

10. Ephesians 4:1-16 • Point of the Passage • Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the church requires humility, patience, gentleness, and selflessness. • We maintain unity on the essentials of doctrine – one Lord, one faith, one baptism. • God provides specific offices within the church in order to prepare us for works of service which build up the body. • Purposeful Questions • What are some of the challenges with keeping unity in the church? • Which of the attributes will you find the hardest to live out? • How would you go about making every effort to keep unity?

11. Hebrews 10:22-25 • Scriptural Background • Through the blood of Jesus, we now have direct access to God • We are to continue to draw near to God • Keep a strong faith and clean conscience • Point of the Passage • After being washed in baptism, we need the continual exhortations of brothers and sisters to stay the course. • Prepare in advance how you will spur on fellow Christians in the fellowship. • Prepare to receive biblical input that will result in greater love and good deeds • Purposeful Questions • Why is missing meetings of the body described as a bad habit? • Why and when do we meet? • Will you have challenges with making meeting of the body a priority?

12. Memory Scripture “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” Hebrews 3:12-14

13. Hebrews 3:12-14 • Scriptural Background • The writer is reminding the readers of the Israelites rebellion. God’s anger and his consequences for their disobedience • There example is a warning for us today to not harden our hearts toward God • Point of the Passage • We each have the charge and the responsibility to • see to it that no one has a sinful, unbelieving heart • that turns away from God. • Daily encouragement helps everyone stand firm until the end. • Purposeful Questions • What will you do to make sure that your heart doesn’t get hard? • Why do you think it is important for you to receive daily encouragement? • How will you go about encouraging others in the church?

14. 2 Corinthians 8:7 • Scriptural Background • In Acts 11:27-30 a prophet prophesied a famine. • So the *disciples asked people for money for the churches in *Judea. • In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Paul had told the Christians at Corinth how to do this. In 2 Corinthians 8:10, they had begun but not completed it • Point of the Passage • God loves a cheerful giver. • Our giving supports the body as we reach out to a world in need of Jesus. • Purposeful Questions • In what ways, do our giving build God’s church?

15. Memory Scripture “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” Hebrews 3:12-14

16. Additional Scriptures 1 John 1:5-10Ephesians 2:19-20Romans 12:4-8John 17:20-26Colossians 1:18Colossians 2:18-19John 13:34-35