Matthew 12:46-50; Matthew 16:18

Announcments

Baptism Service - May 3rd

Men’s Gathering - This Saturday, April 25th at 4PM (register on church center)

READ

Matthew 12:46-50

Matthew 16:18

Explore

  1. What stands out to you in the passages?

  2. What’s surprising about the exchange in Matthew 12?

  3. How does Jesus’ answer challenge both traditional and nuclear family structures (then and now), and individualistic views of the faith (“just me and Jesus”)?

  4. What do you think Jesus means by “does the will of my Father” in Matthew 12?

  5. How does Jesus’ answer in Matthew 12 tie to union with Christ and the security of salvation?

  6. What does the Matthew 16 passage teach about Christ’s authority over the church, and the certainty and hope of the church?

APPLY

  1. How do you relate to the church? (possible answers = event to attend; club to come and go to as convenient, like a gym; family you belong to; an estranged loved one, etc.)

  2. What makes it difficult to embrace the church as family?

  3. Where are you tempted to judge others in the church, or withdraw from others’ sin or weakness?

  4. How does remembering your own inclusion by grace reshape how you view others?

  5. What may it look like to trust Christ’s commitment to the church more than your frustrations with it? How can you speak words of challenge and hope to those in your life who are frustrated with the church?

  6. What’s a step you can take this month to have more shared meals with church members?

  7. What are other ways you can foster a “church is family” culture in Doxology?

PRAY

John Campbell