Study #4: The Case for This Local Community

Jonah 1-4; James 2:1-13

The early church was multi-ethnic and overwhelmingly urban, as those first believers reached out to anyone who was their neighbor. We want to emulate their example and follow the Lord’s leading to reach this neighborhood for Christ.

The church as a multi-ethnic fellowship.

1. The early church was multi-ethnic. (Read Acts 2:5-11,44; Acts 13:16) What do these passages tell us about the ethnic make-up of the early church?

    

2. Jesus calls us to be colorblind. (Read Galatians 3:26-29) What conclusion can we draw from this passage concerning a person’s “race?”

    

3. It is a dreadful sin for Christians to have respect for some people over others (such as the apparently-wealthy or gifted). (Read James 2:1-13) What does this passage teach us about showing favoritism to anyone? How does that relate to CCiPH?

    

4. Jesus advocated for the marginalized, and became poor for our sakes. (Read Matthew 11:4-6; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 8:9; John 3:16, etc.) Does every ethnic group in this country enjoy the same level of economic, political, and social standing as every other group does? What did Jesus do for those around Him who were “down-trodden?”

The case for inner-city work.

1. Read Acts 2:5; Acts 8:5; Acts 11:19,20; Acts 16:1,2. How would you describe the early church? Rural, suburban, or urban?

    

2. Read between the lines of Acts 15:36, and scan the book of Acts for clues, such as 13:49; 14:1,21; 16:16-40; Luke 4:43. What are some advantages that a city has in regards to the spread of the Gospel?

    

3. Read Luke 4:18; Matt. 26:11; Gen. 18:20. Many (if not most) of life’s problems that face those in the cities are also faced by those in suburban or rural areas. Why, then, are the cities most in need of healing?

Compare Jonah 4:11 with Genesis 18:20 and Jonah 1:2; 3:4; and also 1 Corinthians 16:9. What do these passages tell us about how God feels about the cities of the land?

#1: We Are Christ's

#2: Becoming Community

#3: How People are Commissioned

#4: The Case for This Local Community

#5: Household Evangelism