Bible Reading
1. Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV)
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.'”
2. Matthew 25:1-13 (NIV)
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
APPLICATION
1. Embracing Change: Reflect on a recent change in your life that was uncomfortable. How did you handle it? How can you apply that experience to embrace changes within the church for the sake of growth and transformation?
2. Building Relationships: The sermon emphasized that the church is people, not a place. What steps can you take this week to build or strengthen relationships within your church community?
3. Creating an Inviting Culture: Think of someone who might feel out of place in a church setting. How can you personally make them feel welcomed and loved in your church community?
4. Operating with Purpose: Identify one area of your life where you feel you are not living intentionally. What specific actions can you take to align this area with your God-given purpose?
5. Unity and Collaboration: Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to support and encourage others in your church community to achieve your collective mission?
6. Overcoming Comfort Zones: The sermon mentioned the need to move beyond comfort zones. What is one comfort zone you need to step out of to better serve your church and community?
7. Personal Commitment: The pastor shared a personal testimony about how the local church saved his life. How has the church impacted your life, and how can you contribute to its mission to impact others?
INSPIRATION
1. What does it mean to “flourish like a palm tree” and “grow like a cedar of Lebanon” in the context of Psalm 92:12-15? How can this imagery apply to the church today?
2. How can the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) be seen as a metaphor for the church’s need to be prepared and adaptable?
3. In what ways does 1 Corinthians 12:12 emphasize the importance of unity and collaboration within the church?
4. The sermon mentioned that the church is not a social club or a self-help program. How does this perspective challenge traditional views of what church should be?
REVELATION
1. According to Psalm 92:12-15, what are the characteristics of the righteous?
2. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), what distinguished the wise virgins from the foolish ones?
3. How does 1 Corinthians 12:12 describe the relationship between the parts of the body and the body of Christ?
4. What are the four key aspects of the church (see the sermon summary)?
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