Getting to Know God's People

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lifeHERITAGE Bible Studies are designed to encourage you to thoughtfully reflect on the biblical text. Please take the time to look at the text in its context before answering, and try to answer as fully as possible (3-5 sentences). If you experience difficulty in seeing how the text relates to the question, please let us know. Remember to pray before you start, and click "finish" when you are done. May the Spirit be with you.
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The Greek word for church, ekklesia, does not refer to a building or a specific organization, but to a group of people who united together for a common cause. The word is not unique to Christianity, but was used to describe various organizations in the ancient Greek and Roman world. The term actually means those who are “called out.” God has always had a called out people, but it is important to remember that the invitation to be a part of his church is given to every one and not just to a select few. Over the years, God’s called out people could be found in many nations. In the Bible, we read about those who received a special call like Noah, Abraham, Jacob and Moses. However, we also read about others like Melchizedek, Abimelech, Ruth, Jethro and Zipporah. With the coming of Jesus to earth, God’s church is now identified as those who accept Jesus as the Saviour from sin and the Ruler of God’s Kingdom. In this study, we will take a look at five signs of God’s church.
QUESTIONS
1. Christ is the center of Christianity. There can be no Christianity without him. However, we would not know anything about Christ if it were not for God’s written revelation that has been preserved in the Bible. There are at least two-billion people in the world today who claim to be Christian. Unfortunately, many of them belong to denominations that place little emphasis on the Bible, and have instead set up their own criteria for Christianity. In fact, there are a number of churches that have openly stated that the Bible is no longer relevant for the modern mind. Read the following texts, and in one paragraph summarize the importance of the Bible for Christianity as we discover the first sign of God’s people. Why is the Bible still important to people in the twenty-first century?.
  • Mark 7:7
  • John 5:39
  • Luke 24:27
  • Acts 17:11
  • 2 Timothy 3:16
2. Not only will members of God’s church accept the Bible as his written revelation to humanity, but they will also be willing to do whatever he says. Obedience to God allows his people to be identified in a world where so many people disobey him. As you look at the texts for this section that emphasize obedience, pay special attention for the evidence that points to the second sign of God’s people. Why is it important to obey God in everything we do?
  • Matthew 5:17-19
  • Matthew 7:21
  • John 14:15
  • 15:9-10
  • Revelation 14:12
3. Many people who claim to be a part of God’s church claim to accept the Bible and appear to be obedient to the Ten Commandments. However, the truth is that anyone can claim these things and not really be sincere. God’s church is comprised of people who not only conform to His will when it is easy to do so, but will obey God even when it is unpopular. Like the three Hebrew slaves in Daniel 2, their loyalty to God does not waver–even in the face of death. Read the following texts, and in one paragraph describe the third sign of God’s people. How can a person develop faith?
  • Revelation 14:12
  • Hebrews 11:6
  • Habbakuk 2:4
  • Romans 1:17
4. The people in God’s church are not only bible believing, obedient and faith-filled, but they recognize that they must be willing to be used by him for his glory. Although they cannot see God, they believe that he communicates with them through his Spirit. How do the following texts help to shed light on the fourth sign of God’s people. How can a person know if the Spirit is communicating with him or her?
  • Romans 8:13-14
  • John 14:25-26
  • 1 Cor 12:4-11
  • Gal 5:16-26
5. The final sign of God’s church is perhaps the most important. People can profess to be Bible believing, obedient, faithful and Spirit led, but without this fifth sign they cannot claim to be God’s people. Carefully mediate on the following texts and in one paragraph, describe the fifth sign of God’s true people. What does it mean for a Christian to love?.
  • John 13:34-35
  • 1 Corinthians 13
  • 1 John 4:7-12
  • Romans 13:8
I accept the Bible teaching that God’s people are manifested by the following signs:
  • BIBLE BELIEVING
  • OBEDIENT
  • FAITH FILLED
  • SPIRIT LED
  • LOVING
I want these signs to be a part of my life as I dedicate each day to fulfilling God’s will.
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