I Believe In The Church

Jesus came to give us everlasting life (John 3:16) and He is coming again (John 5:28-29).

KEY VERSES

Matthew 16:18-19 (NASB)

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

1 John 2:1b-2 (NASB)

If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3

1 Corinthians 15:42-43 (NASB)

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15)

UNDERSTANDING

  • If an unbeliever asked you why you go to church, what would you say?

  • In this week’s message, Pastor Jeff explained that October 31 is Reformation Day,
    when Martin Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, birthing the reformation of the church. If you were going to “nail your beliefs on a door,” what are some things you would include?

  • There is a lot of truth in that one sentence. What stands out to you personally, or what is something you learned in Pastor Jeff’s message?

  • What did Jesus mean by “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church”?

  • If Jesus is building a church, does that mean the church is a building? Why or why not?

  • The word for “church” in the New Testament literally means “called out ones.” How does this help us to understand what Jesus meant when He used the word “church” here?

  • How have these verses been misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misused?

  • Pastor Jeff explained, “As the church, we are to hear God’s voice and act as those who record His will, plans, and strategy. Under His authority, we are commissioned to obey and act upon what we’ve heard.” What changes would take place at LCCC if every member “nailed down” that belief?

  • Read Revelation 7:9-11. What does this passage teach you about the holy catholic church, the communion of saints?

  • These verses describe Jesus as the believer’s Advocate. What does this mean? Why is that important for us to understand?

  • If you are a Christian, then how does knowing that Jesus is your advocate change the way you live on a day-to-day basis?

  • What are the implications of Christ’s forgiveness when we think about sharing the gospel with others?

  • What traits from 1 Corinthians 15 describe our mortal bodies? What traits describe our future immortal bodies?

  • What was Christ’s body like after His resurrection (See Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1–21:23; Acts 1:1-9)?

  • What do you learn about life everlasting from these two passages?

  • Pastor Jeff said, “The everlasting life Jesus spoke of is not simply the unending life of eternity. It speaks of a quality of life.” What did he mean by that?

APPLICATION

  • God’s presence is most often revealed in His holy Church, among the communion of saints. Is that true of this group? If not, what needs to change?

  • What can you do to keep God’s forgiveness in the forefront of your mind so that you can extend forgiveness to others?

  • Because our souls are eternal and will exist forever, what will you do to intentionally focus on your spiritual health and maturity here on earth?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.

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