BIGBIG WISDOM IN 5 MINUTES

From the earliest days of human history, God both promised and created community for Hispeople. This prayer Isaac spoke over Jacob echoes the promises God made to Abraham, and itforeshadows the worldwide community of believers that we now call the Church. Why do you thinkcommunity matters to God? As a Meck volunteer, you are in community at the local level. How doyou experience community within the larger “big C” church as a whole?

WEEK ONe: What is the Church?

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DAY ONE:READ

REFLECT

DAY TWO: READ

REFLECT

Genesis 28:3

Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18

Paul identified the church as the body of Christ, of which Jesus is the head. As the head, Jesus isthe highest authority, the sovereign Lord, the leader. His body (the church) gives flesh to thatleadership as we follow His example and commands. How does this description of Jesus make adifference to your service or worship?

DAY THREE: READEphesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-10

REFLECTThe worldwide community of believers is like a building established on the foundation of theprophets and the apostles. Jesus is both the master builder and the cornerstone of the building—the reason it was built and stays standing. He places believers within this building to work for Himin specific, meaningful ways. What an awesome privilege! How do you think Jesus wants to use youwithin the temple He is building? Why is Jesus described as a “stone that causes people tostumble” (1 Peter 2:7-8)?

DAY FOUR: READEphesians 5:25-27

REFLECTIn these verses Paul describes the church as the bride of Christ. Usually a bride prepares herself forher wedding day, presenting her most beautiful self to her groom. What is different about Christand His bride?  What does Christ do to allow us to become a community, and what does thatcommunity look like? What response does this inspire in you?

BIGBIG WISDOM IN 5 MINUTES

We saw in Peter’s letter (1 Peter 2:4-10) that he describes Jesus as the cornerstone of the church.That description is especially meaningful because of this earlier experience, when Jesus Himselfdeclared He would build His church on “this rock!” Although Peter was sometimes a disappointingexample of a Christ follower, he later became an effective leader and committed preacher of theGospel. Jesus knew that Peter, and others who profess the same faith, would be that solidfoundation. What do you learn from this interaction? What does it teach you about God?done?

WEEK TWO: The Early Church

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DAY ONE: READ

REFLECT

DAY TWO: READ

REFLECT

Matthew 16:15-18

Acts 2:38-41; Acts 16:5

The early church experienced explosive growth in numbers. As people witnessed miracles andheard the apostles’ teaching, many thousands immediately believed. The early apostles neverstopped proclaiming the Gospel, telling people that even those far from God have been broughtnear through the blood of Jesus. What do you learn about God’s plans for His church? What do youthink He has planned for you, and how can you say “yes” today?

DAY THREE:READActs 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-35

REFLECTAs you read these descriptions of the fellowship and community enjoyed by the early church, youwill no doubt see some similarities and differences between the early church and local churches intoday’s world. How do you respond to these descriptions? What can we as a local church learnfrom the early church?

DAY FOUR: READActs 8:1-4; Acts 11:19-21REFLECTThe believers scattered after Stephen was stoned to death, and they continued to be persecuted inthe years that followed. However, God used the persecution and their flight from it to spread theGospel far and wide. Note that these new believers, not just the apostles, are said to have “preachedthe word wherever they went.” Would you be described in this same way? What barriers might youface? What do you learn about God, about people, and about yourself?

BIGBIG WISDOM IN 5 MINUTES

Paul reminds us that we all have different gifts. We are created differently, so our service to God willlook different too. The important thing is to use what you’ve been given to serve God and Hischurch. Just like each body part, each church member performs a different but important functionin furthering God’s plan. What gifts has God given you, and how might you use them to serve Himthrough the church, or through a specific ministry like MecKidz?

WEEK Three: One Body, Many Parts

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DAY ONE: READ

REFLECT

DAY TWO:READ

REFLECT

Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

We find so many lessons in this passage! Among them are having a proper view of self and others,the beauty of diversity within the church body, the importance of each person within the church, theimportance of unity, God’s sovereignty, and other lessons. Which lessons are especially meaningfulto you, and why?

DAY THREE:READ1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:12 & 14:26REFLECTWe’re learning that each gift is valuable, so why does Paul say to “eagerly desire the greater gifts(NIV)?” Another translation might read “you are seeking” or “should seek” the greater gifts. Inchapters 13 and 14 Paul’s meaning becomes clear: the greater gifts are those which are lovinglyused to serve the whole church. A God-given gift is wasted if not used to build up and strengthenGod’s church. What gifts has God given you, and how could you use them to lovingly serve thechurch?

DAY FOUR: READGalatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 4:2-6

REFLECTAs we’ve seen, God created us to be different and we can celebrate those differences within thechurch! But we remain united in Christ, one body in the service of one Lord. Our unity in Christ is farmore important than the differences of race, ethnicity, gender, and every other category. How doyou see diversity and unity expressed in the local church and the worldwide church? How mightyou encourage unity in MecKidz, our church, or the worldwide church?

BIGBIG WISDOM IN 5 MINUTES

In today’s verse, Paul instructs the elders of the church in Ephesus to carry on without him, callingthem to shepherd the church that Jesus bought with His own blood. Being a part of the body ofChrist brings both joy and the responsibility. The joy of belonging and the responsibility ofsupporting the church. How does being in the Meck community bring you joy? What responsibilitiesdo you have to Meck and to the worldwide church?

WEEK FOUR: The Church in Action

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DAY ONE: READ

REFLECT

DAY TWO: READ

REFLECT

Acts 20:28

Matthew 18:15-17

Jesus’s words show us that church membership includes accountability for church members. Other teachings of the Bible clarify that we are to deal with others with a large dose of humility andlove, while maintaining God’s standards within the church. One of the challenges of a large churchis that it is easy to attend, or even be a member, without experiencing relationships that hold usaccountable. How do you react to this dynamic? Do you welcome transparency and accountability,or are those things a challenge for you? What might God be asking of you in this area?

DAY THREE: READMatthew 18:19-20

REFLECTJesus encouraged His followers to join together in prayer and worship, even saying He would bethere with us when we do! Meck is our place to gather together, to be blessed by the presence ofother believers, and to fully experience the presence of Jesus. By gathering with other Christ-followers, we allow the Holy Spirit to work through the community that Jesus created and has givento us. How might God be calling you to connect with others in the church? How might this truthapply during this time of social distancing?

DAY FOUR: READMatthew 28:18-20

REFLECTThere is no doubt that the calling of every Christian is to “go and make disciples.” Of course, weshould do so through our words and actions everywhere we go. However, we can’t miss the criticalimportance of the local church in fulfilling the Great Commission. Our church, whose mission is toseek and save those far from God, is a perfect launch pad for making disciples! How can you serveJesus through the resources Meck makes available? Your service in MecKidz is a perfect example!Inviting others, tithing, signing up for Serve Days, attending classes…what else can we do toserve Jesus through this place?