What's the Point? - Part 3 [Notes]

Many in our society today have concluded the church is no longer relevant. They reason that they can turn to other organizations to meet their relational needs, and they can determine their own morality and values by "looking inward." So why bother with the church? Simply, Jesus is excited about building His church, and God's people continue to be the light of the world. What we do and how we are different from the world makes the church essential to a society that is slipping further away from God.

Join us for "What's the Point?"  We will be looking at the exciting ways we are able to make a positive difference in this world!
Today's Takeaway // Christianity is about a relationship with Christ. 
Christianity is about a relationship with Christ.
“I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me,
– John 10:14 (HCSB)
My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand.
– John 10:27-28 (HCSB)
Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.
– Colossians 2:6-7 (HCSB)
You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
– 2 Timothy 2:1 (HCSB)
“...I will ask the Father, and He will give you another•Counselor to be with you forever."
– John 14:16b (HCSB)
He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him becauseit doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.
– John 14:17-18 (HCSB)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me andI in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
– John 15:5 (HCSB)
"If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned."
– John 15:6 (HCSB)
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.
– John 15:7 (HCSB)
"The Christian life is not about following rules or cranking out good deeds in our own effort. It is about allowing Christ’s life to flow through us as we stay connected to Him."
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
– Philippians 4:13 (HCSB)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son ofGod, who loved me and gave Himself for me
– Galatians 2:19b-20 (HCSB)

Discussion Questions //

  1. Why do you think so many churches focus on rules rather than a relationship with Christ?
  2. Read John 15:1-8. What do you think it means to remain or abide in Christ? Why is it so essential that we do this?
  3. How is the faith that “saved us” similar to the faith we need to have in Christ day by day? What do you think happens when we rely upon ourselves and not Christ for the spiritual life we need?
  4. Why does the Father “prune” us? How do you think He accomplishes pruning in our lives? Can you think of any examples in your life?
  5. What are some things we can do to grow closer to Christ and abide more consistently?

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