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Opening

What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?  

 

Summary

Read Matthew 16:13-20 & Matthew 18:15-20

Evangelical Christians seem to have a high view of God but very low view of the local church. Church attendance is optional, the sacraments can be done seemingly anytime by anyone, and church authority and discipline is often despised. But our view doesn’t match the high view of his church that Jesus has. The local imperfect church is the hope of the world and is critical to God’s redemptive plan. Our view of the local church needs to grow to match Jesus’.  

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think that some Christians have such a low view of the church?
  2. What is the significance that the word we use for church (ekklesia) means assembly or gathering? Does our normal use of the word “church” fit that meaning?
  3. How has individualism shaped our view of the church? How does a healthy church correct our unhealthy individualism?
  4. Do you agree with the Reformers that the marks of a true church are 1) the right preaching of the gospel, 2) the right administration of the sacraments and 3) church discipline? If any of those marks are missing, can you still have a true church? Are there other necessary marks?
  5. What is the future of the church (see Eph 5:25-27)? How should that shape our attitude towards the church right now (warts and all)?