Stand Firm in The Church

It’s not news that many Americans have left and are leaving the church. Some of them even have pretty good reasons. So why should we stand firm in the church? Join us to find out.

Sermon Outline:

I. The Mystery of the Church

II. The Message of the Church

III. The Mediator of the Church

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Americans are leaving the church in large numbers these days for various reasons (hypocrisy, moral failures, busyness with activities, etc.). What reasons resonate with you or those you know who have left the church? Why haven’t you left?

2. Paul saw his ministry and calling as a gift of grace from God, not something he earned or deserved. How does viewing our service in the church this way change our attitudes and motivations?

3. The mystery revealed to Paul was that Gentiles are included as full heirs and members of God’s family, the body of Christ. Why was this so revolutionary and difficult for early Jewish Christians to accept? Where do you see the sharpest divisions among followers of Jesus in the church today?

4. A united, diverse church proclaims Christ’s victory over spiritual powers. How well are we displaying this vibrant unity amidst diversity of every sort? What steps could we take to better embody this counter-cultural reality?

5. Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment and persecution for the sake of the gospel reaching the Gentiles. What can we learn from Paul's example about having the right perspective on suffering for the gospel?