Why Church?

Monday, February 19                   Matthew 16:13-18
What is so significant about Peter's statement? What does it mean to make that claim, as Peter did? What does it mean for you to say Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God?"

In this passage, what does Jesus have to say about the church? What is Peter's role in it? Who is to build the church? How does that happen today? How is the church significant in your life today? Spend some time praying for Cambridge-that we would be a church founded on the power and person of Jesus.

Tuesday, February 20                John 13:34-35, Colossians 3:13-14
What, according to Jesus, is the church supposed to look like? What are some of the practical ways this command gets played out in your church? What are some of the ways you have grown in your ability to live into Jesus' command (see Colossians 3)? In what ways do you struggle?

Read 1 Peter 4:7-10. If God has called His church to be a place that lives and breathes love and serving one another, what are some ways we can contribute to that goal? What are some of the specific ways God has gifted you to be a part of it?

Wednesday, February 21         1 Peter 2:9-10
Think through each definition Peter gives to the people of God. What is the significance of each? What is the purpose of this group of people? How would you describe being out of darkness and into His light?

When have you most experienced receiving the mercy of God? Is mercy on of the primary words you would use in describing your experience of Him? Why or why not? How does this attribute of God (and our receiving it) play into how the church should "declare the praises of Him."

Thursday, February 22                Hebrews10:19-25
According to this passage, why should we meet together as the church? What is the significance of the church on an individual basis? Corporately, why is it important that we gather?

What are the "good deeds" the church should be involved in? How should we express love to those who are not yet a part of our community?

Friday, February 23                     John 4:21-24
What purpose of the church does this passage speak to? What does it mean to worship and "spirit" and in "truth?" Why is this so significant?