Church (3) – Messy Tension

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us.  We are in the middle of our series Church and we started with the proclamation of Jesus two thousand years ago in Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”  Two thousand years later there are churches everywhere, in every continent and in every country.  There are big churches and small churches.  There are churches in the cities and there are churches in the rural country sides.  No matter where they are, churches are proclaiming the fact that Jesus indeed was right, that He will build His Church and death will not defeat it.

Last week we talked about the history of our church and the vision of our church.  If you were not here last week I hope you can go on our website and listen to it.  Our church exists so that we can be A Path to Transformation.  We believe that when you build a relationship with Jesus Christ, your life will transform to become who He wants you to be.  Today we are going to talk about just that, about some practical ways we can practice together to live out that vision.  But to live that out there are messy tensions we will face.  I will say this, you might feel uncomfortable at times as you listen, but if we as a church are to be a path to transformation, we must embrace the challenge ahead of us.

Moving Forward

The Church should always speak the Truth that Jesus taught.  The Church also should always show grace like Jesus showed.  Commit today in being the Church that display truth through grace.

Discussion Questions

1. If you are not a Christian, what is the biggest obstacle for you in becoming one?  If you are a Christian, what was the biggest obstacle for you in the past in becoming one?

2. Why do you think homosexuality has become such a divisive issue in our culture?

3. Read John 8:3-11.  What are some of the things that surprise you?  In what ways can Jesus’ respond to the woman be a model for the Church as we approach messy lives?

4. How would you show grace to someone that is openly gay if he/she ever shows up in our church?  What can this group do support you?