Summary
Pastor Paul delivers a message titled "Faith and Fellowship," emphasizing that genuine faith and church fellowship are inseparably connected. He challenges the congregation to examine their faith, warning against being what author Craig Groeschel calls "Christian atheists" - people who believe in God but live as if He doesn't exist. Pastor Paul addresses four common excuses people give for disconnecting from church: lack of time, boredom, concerns about money, and fear of being condemned. He explains that the church is the body of Christ, the family of God, and the hope of the world, emphasizing that Jesus loves the church so much that He gave His life for it. The message concludes with an invitation to commit to authentic faith expressed through active church participation.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds. Thank you for bringing us together to explore the connection between our faith and our fellowship with one another. As we discuss these important truths, help us to honestly examine our own faith and commitment to Your church. Remove any barriers or excuses that keep us from fully experiencing Your presence in community. Guide our conversation and help each person here to receive exactly what You want them to learn today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What was your favorite childhood toy and why did you love it so much?
Key Verses
1 Peter 1:7
2 Corinthians 13:5
Titus 1:16
Acts 2:42-47
Ephesians 5:16
Hebrews 10:25
Matthew 16:15-18
Questions
Pastor Paul talked about 'passing the faith test.' What do you think it means to have genuine faith versus imitation faith?
Have you ever found yourself acting like what Craig Groeschel calls a 'Christian atheist' - believing in God but living as if He doesn't exist? In what areas of your life?
Of the four reasons people disconnect from church (time, boredom, money concerns, or fear of condemnation), which one have you struggled with most, and why?
How would you respond to someone who says, 'I believe in God, but I don't need to go to church to worship Him'?
Pastor Paul described the church as the body of Christ, the family of God, and the hope of the world. Which of these descriptions resonates most with you right now?
The message compared regular church attendance to 'bowling bumpers' that keep us from going into the gutter. How has being part of a church community helped keep you on track spiritually?
What does it mean to you personally that your faith is 'more precious than gold' to God?
How might your commitment to church fellowship be a reflection of your commitment to Christ himself?
Life Application
This week, take an honest inventory of your commitment to faith and fellowship. Identify one specific excuse or barrier that has kept you from fully engaging with your church family, and take a concrete step to overcome it. This might mean setting aside dedicated time for church, joining a small group, finding a place to serve, or committing to regular giving. Remember that genuine faith is expressed through active participation in Christ's body. Share with someone in your group what specific step you're committing to take.
Key Takeaways
Genuine faith in Christ will always be reflected in how we live our daily lives - it cannot be merely intellectual belief without practical application.
Faith and fellowship are inseparably connected; disconnecting from church community weakens our faith and spiritual growth.
The church is not just a building or event but the body of Christ, the family of God, and the hope of the world.
Regular church participation acts like 'bowling bumpers' that help keep us centered spiritually and out of the gutters of life.
Jesus loves the church so much He gave His life for it; if we truly love Jesus, we will also love what He loves - His church.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving Your church enough to give Your life for it. Forgive us for the times we've treated Your precious bride casually or with indifference. Help us to see the church as You see it - not as a building or an event, but as Your body, Your family, and Your hope for this broken world. Strengthen our commitment to genuine faith that shows up in our devotion to You and to our church family. May our lives reflect authentic belief that impacts every area of our lives. Give us the courage to remove any excuses that keep us from full participation in Your body. We want to pass the faith test, Lord - not with imitation faith, but with the real thing. In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
