REVIEW & REFLECT
Over the past fortnight we’ve introduced the 4 key relationships of your discipleship that you need to be actively and intentionally engaged in, in order to see change and growth in your relationship with Jesus.
This next fortnight, and for the last sermon in our RESET series, we focus on the church gathered: ‘Me and the Crowd’, and God’s desire for us as the body of Christ.
Click on the tabs below to access the activities for each day.
In Scott’s sermon, he asked you to think about your favourite cafe and to consider that many of the things you might expect from your favourite cafe, you might also expect from our church. How do you feel about this comparison? Is it surprising, confronting? Did you think it is accurate?
What do you hope to find in a church? What are your expectations? Write down the things you’d be looking for.
We encourage you to be as honest with yourself, and with God, as possible.
What does God command of the church?
We’ve listed a number of Bible verses that relate to God’s expectations of the church. Pick as many as you’d like to read, and write down what the Lord is highlighting to you regarding God’s purpose for the church (you may even be able to find more Bible verses!):
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Mark 11:15-17
- John 15:9-17
- Acts 2:42-47
- Acts 4:32-37
- Galatians 6:1-10
- Ephesians 2:13-18
- Ephesians 4:1-13
- James 1:22-27
Scott asked, in his sermon: what does it mean to be the church, and is church about getting what we want or giving Jesus what he wants?
Invitation not guilt: God’s invitation to us, in the words of Haggai, is to ‘give careful thought’ to our ways. God’s commands for His church are a wonderful invitation. We are commanded to love one another, pray for one another, share in communion together, live in unity with one another… These things and more are the things that the church is to be known for.
If you have seen a disparity between the two lists you have made (i.e. day 1-3 vs day 4-10), then can we encourage you to put aside any guilt you may be feeling and embrace the invitation that God is giving us, to be the church that He envisions.
Reviewing your thoughts and notes from day 1-10, here are some questions to reflect on:
- What have we built that God accommodates but did not ask for?
- What do people in church today desire, compared to what God desires?
- Are we more desperate to please people, or to please God?
- What / where do you sense God is asking you to increase your desire for His church, based on what He cares about?
- Where might you need to adjust or reset your desires or preferences regarding church?
We encourage you to write down what you think the Lord is saying to you…
PRAY
Resetting takes intentionality. It takes time for it to become a natural daily rhythm.
But you can’t do it alone – at least not to the best of your abilities. You need the accountability of intentional spiritual relationships; the encouragement and safe place to practice in a Small Group; the corporate worship and celebration of our large gatherings – all which help push you closer and closer to Jesus and to build the desire to spend time with him every day.
Holy Spirit, come fill the temple of my life. You are present but my heart has been absent. I reset my heart today, return to you and know that as I do, you will draw near to me. I’m sorry for how I’ve been so distracted by other things, and have been too easily satisfied by substitutes. Restore in me a vision for life with you that outshines all else, and help me to draw near to you with all my heart each day.
APPLY
If you are in a Small Group, think about a question or area that challenged / encouraged you and what you plan to do then share it next time your group meets.
If you aren’t in a Small Group, share this with one or two people who can keep you on track.
If you have any questions please email us at [email protected]
