Big Idea: What you believe about the Church is essential to your faith.

            John 17:20-21

            Revelation 7:9-10

            Galatians 3:27-29

            Romans 14:2-3, 5-6

Why does this matter?

• The Church breaks down barriers.

            Acts 1:8

            1 Corinthians 12:12, 17

            John 13:34-35

• The Church is the clearest picture of Jesus the world sees.

            Matthew 28:19-20

Message Questions

This week we are discussing the doctrine of the Church. Our essential doctrine statement says:

Jesus’ Church consists of all those who have placed their faith in Jesus throughout every nation, without regard to their language, denomination, or theological differences. The purpose of the Church is to be witnesses of Jesus in the world, showing the world what Jesus is like by worshipping God, loving others, serving one another, and speaking the message of Jesus. Until Jesus returns, the Church exists to spread the good news of Jesus, baptizing all those who believe and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has taught us.

This Sunday, the big idea is: What you believe about the Church is essential to your faith. Passages include Matthew 28:19-20; John 13:34-35, 17:20-21; Acts 1:8; Romans 14:2-3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 17; Galatians 3:27-29; and Revelation 7:9-10.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read John 17:20-21. Who is being prayed for in this passage? What are the themes of this prayer? How is the unity of the Church connected to the message of the cross?
2. Have somebody read Galatians 3:27-29. What divisions does the author share that are broken because the Church is one in Christ Jesus? Conflict and division are everywhere in our world. What conflict or division are you currently experiencing that is affecting your relationship with Jesus or others?
3. Read John 13:34-35. What is the best way for the world to see the message of Jesus? Who is the hardest person or group for you to love? Where have you seen God show up recently?
4. Have someone read 1 Corinthians 12:12and 17. Pastor Wyatt shared that the differences among us are the beauty of what the Church is. What differences are the hardest for you to deal with? Where can we grow in our relationships?
5. Pastor Wyatt shared that the Church is the clearest picture of Jesus that the world sees. Do the relationships around you see the Church as the clearest picture of Jesus? Why or why not? How is Alderwood going towards others with the message of Jesus? How are you going towards others with the message of Jesus?