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Changing Lives (From The Inside Out) Message #1

How The Crowd Becomes A Church

September 3-4, 2005 Dr Larry Osborne

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Food for Thought
For the week of September 4, 2005
(Questions and Scriptures for further study) ___________________________________________________________________

1. The biblical concept of “church” is as much about connecting with and serving others as it is about gaining biblical knowledge.  Over 50 New Testament passages instruct us how we are to relate to “one another.”  Here are six of those passages from the book of Romans.  For each verse, jot down the instruction for how we are to do and be the church.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. [NIV]

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. [NIV]

Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. [NIV]

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. [NIV]

Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. [NIV]

Romans 15:14
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. [NIV]

 

Why do you think so many Christians settle for a concept of church that is nothing more than a weekly concert and lecture? And what specific changes in attitude, action or perspective are necessary in order to move from just attending church to being in significant, life-changing relationships? List as many as you can think of.

2. This weekend, Larry pointed out one advantage of small groups is the elimination of the “holy man” and “holy place” myth. Jot down any further insights you find in these selected Scriptures that also countermand the myth of the “holy man” and “holy place.”

Leviticus 19:2
"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. [NIV]

2 Corinthians 5:19-21
that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [NIV]

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [NIV]

Acts 2:46-47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [NIV]

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."  [NIV]

 

3. One of the best ways to foster spiritual growth is to follow the “Velcro Principle” – sticking tight to God’s Word and other Christians.  At this point in your spiritual journey is there a specific action step you could take or discipline you could begin in order to take advantage of the “Velcro Principle”?