GRACE AT HOME STUDY GUIDE

What is a Healthy Church Part 2

As we delve into the journey of understanding what makes a church healthy, we find ourselves turning to the Scriptures, beginning with Matthew 16, where Peter's profound confession of faith, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,' becomes the bedrock of our faith community. This narrative reinforces the enduring strength and divine purpose of the church, emphasizing that despite worldly challenges, the church is continually being built and strengthened by Christ himself. It invites us to reflect on our roles as living stones, fashioned together by our cornerstone, Christ, to uphold and spread the truth. This journey through Scripture also nudges us to consider the vital importance of expository preaching, as exemplified in Acts 2 with Peter's sermon at Pentecost, which serves to reveal the truth of God's Word authentically and powerfully. Just as those early Christians were moved to action, we too are called to engage in gospel proclamation and vibrant evangelism. The spiritual lesson here is clear: a healthy church thrives on a foundation of deep biblical understanding and an active commitment to share this life-giving message with others. As we move through our faith journey, let us embrace our roles as truth-bearers and agents of God's kingdom.

Rewatch the Sermon

Small Group Guide

Opening Prayer
Begin with an opening prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead the discussion and open hearts to the insights and applications from the sermon.

Discussion Questions
  1. Understanding the Text:
    • What stood out to you from the sermon, and why?
    • How does Matthew 16:16-18 inform our understanding of the foundation of the church?
    • Discuss the significance of Peter's confession and Jesus' response regarding His church.
  2. Biblical Preaching:
    • How did Peter's sermon in Acts 2 exemplify expository preaching?
    • Why is biblical preaching, particularly expository preaching, essential for a healthy church?
    • What are the potential effects of a church lacking biblical preaching?
  3. Evangelism and Gospel Proclamation:
    • From the sermon, why is evangelism critical for the life of the church?
    • Reflect on Matthew 28:19 and Romans 10:14. What challenges do you face when evangelizing, and how can you overcome them?
    • How can we foster a church environment that encourages regular evangelism?
  4. Prayerful Dependence:
    • Reflect on Charles Spurgeon’s quote about the church’s prayer life. How do you see this in our congregation?
    • Why did Jesus prioritize prayer, even in times of crisis?
    • How can we incorporate more intentional prayer within our group and church?
  5. Spirit-filled Fellowship:
    • What is true biblical fellowship according to the sermon, and how does it differ from mere social gatherings?
    • Discuss the shared unity in Christ that defines Spirit-filled fellowship.
    • How can we cultivate deeper, Spirit-filled fellowship within our small group and church community?

Key Takeaways
  • A healthy church is founded on Scripture, expository preaching, and true gospel proclamation.
  • Evangelism is a critical component, preventing a church from spiritual stagnation.
  • Prayer must be central, reflecting our dependence on God for guidance and strength.
  • True fellowship is rooted in our relationship with the triune God, transcending common interests or activities.

Practical Applications
  1. Personal Commitment:
    • Spend dedicated time in prayer each day this week, focusing on areas of dependence on God and seeking His will for your life.
  2. Evangelism Challenge:
    • Identify one person with whom you can share the gospel this week. Pray for courage and opportunity to have that conversation.
  3. Strengthening Fellowship:
    • Plan a time to meet with someone in your church community whom you don’t know well, and focus on building Christ-centered fellowship.
  4. Prayer Focus:
    • As a group, choose a specific time each week to meet or virtually connect for focused prayer for the church and its mission.

Closing Prayer
Conclude with a group prayer, asking for God’s guidance in applying these principles and in strengthening the church collectively as agents of His kingdom.
Encourage group members to share any specific prayer requests and close by praying for each other’s needs.