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Study #1: We are
Christ's
Having a passion for the
glory of God.
Acts 4:12;
Colossians
1:15-23
Our case statement has
this as a first paragraph:
“We
are Christ’s.
We
develop a community of real faith that is unashamedly Christ-centered and
Bible-based. We are driven by a passion for God’s glory. Our life, our hope, and
our salvation are found in Christ alone. Communion with God is the highest
calling for any life.” Let’s explore what it means to be a fellowship
rooted and grounded in Christ.
The
Background: American Spirituality.
What do
you think are the unspoken tenets of American spirituality that dominates most
churches in the early 21st century? Let’s explore the common ground
of consensus theology among spiritually-open Americans. Here’s my impression:
·
Man.
Basically good, and in need of being encouraged and healed, to order to fulfill
their potential.
·
Jesus.
A great moral teacher, worthy of respect, demonstrating love and liberal grace
and forgiveness to all. The point of the cross was to demonstrate God’s love for
us and love’s willing forgiveness to those who do us wrong.
·
Creation.
Materialistic evolution, with the guidance of God. Somehow people evolved into
having a soul.
·
Afterlife.
Everyone is “saved” if they live a “good” life. And most people are basically
good.
·
Religion.
There are many paths to God, or to spiritual fulfillment. Our vocabulary
describes the path through Jesus, but who’s to say other routes won’t also work?
·
God.
Each person has his or her own interpretation of God. We pray, and when we come
to church we seek an experience with that God. He is here to help us be
fulfilled.
·
Purpose.
We are here to help others. One of the best methods of doing good is through
faith-based charities.
·
Church.
The traditional church needs to be rethought to learn from the successful management and
work in the business model.
The
Calling to be Christ-centered.
1.
Romans 1:16, 17 Not ashamed
2.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 The Gospel
3.
Acts 4:12 No other name
4.
Philippians 2:9-11 Highest name
5.
1 John 1:1-9 The glory of God
6.
Hebrews 1:1-4 The Son is the ultimate
7.
Colossians 1:15-23 The image of God
Application Questions.
As you envision it, how would the church be different if
we truly had a passion for the glory of God, as found in Christ Jesus?
-
Prayer.
-
Singing and
worship.
-
Evangelism.
- Structure and
programming.
#1: We Are Christ's
#2:
Becoming Community
#3:
How People are Commissioned
#4:
The Case for This Local Community
#5:
Household Evangelism
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