Who Is the Church?
| Session | Focus | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Church Is One | The Holy Spirit builds one church that includes believers of every time, place, race, and language. | Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; Q&A 37 |
| 2. Spirit-Led Leaders | Jesus is the head of the church, guiding us through the Word and Spirit and through those he calls to lead us in his truth. | Acts 15:1-35; Q&A 38 |
| 3. Forgiven | Because of Jesus' sacrifice, God forgives us for sinning and for our natural tendency to sin. | John 8:1-11; Q&A 39 |
| 4. Life Goes On | Jesus brings new life now and will one day raise our bodies to live forever with him. | John 11:1-46; 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Q&A 40 |
| 5. Only by Faith | Only by true faith in Jesus do we become right with God and receive everlasting life. | Acts 9:1-22; Galatians 2:20; Q&A 41 |
| 6. Only by Grace | It isn't our obedience but Christ's goodness and obedience that make us right with God when we believe. | Luke 7:36-50; Q&A 42 |
Dear Family Text
For the next six weeks our group will be looking at the church—a worldwide community saved by God’s grace, through the gift of faith, and led by God’s Spirit to serve one another and bring the good news of Jesus to all people.
Session 1: The Church Is One (Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3)
Session 2: Spirit-Led Leaders (Acts 15:1-35)
Session 3: Forgiven (John 8:1-11)
Session 4: Life Goes On (John 11:1-46; 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Session 5: Only by Faith (Acts 9:1-22; Galatians 2:20)
Session 6: Only by Grace (Luke 7:36-50)
Pass It On
Here are some ideas for how you might engage your young teen in conversation about what’s happening at church.
- Talk together about some of the ways you see the people in your church using their gifts and serving in unity. Share some of the gifts you see in your son or daughter. (Week 1)
- Share a time the leaders of a church you were part of made a tough decision as they followed God’s Spirit. Talk about how any of us can know what God wants us to do. (Week 2)
- Talk together about forgiveness—how does your family practice forgiveness? (Week 3)
- Share some thoughts about the death of someone you loved who knew the Lord. What comfort did you find in the promise of eternal life? (Week 4)
- Talk together about the ways Jesus has transformed or is transforming each of you. Affirm the growing faith you see in your young teen. (Week 5)
- Talk together about how you express your gratitude to God for the grace he has given you. (Week 6)