Belong 101: 4 Aspects of the New Testament Church

MONDAY

This week we are going to examine four events that take place every time we meet on Sunday. Read carefully Luke 22:7-10. What were Jesus and His disciples getting ready to celebrate? Look up Passover in a Bible dictionary. What does the bread represent? How about the fruit of the vine? What does He mean by saying He won’t eat of this again until the Kingdom of God comes (verses 16 & 18)? Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Why are we repeating this ceremony today? Write down and think about what goes through your mind when you take the bread and the fruit of the vine on Sunday. Read Acts 20:7. Secular history also points out that it was the practice of the early church to partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. This is found in Augustus Neader, History of the Christian Religion and Church, Vol. 1, page 322. Write 1Corinthians 11:26 on an index card; memorize it and meditate upon it. Give an encouragement call to a brother or a sister today.

TUESDAY

Money is something we all think about. Too often we approach money with an unhealthy and unbiblical attitude. The Lord sets our focus straight in Matthew 6:19-24. What should you set your heart on? In what ways can your eyes be bad? How can you make them be full of light? List some ways that you might end up serving Money. Read 1 Tim.6:6-11. What should you be content with? What happens if you pursue money? What should you pursue? If you pursue these things, it will show in your attitude towards giving: 2 Cor.9:6-15. What kind of giver does God want you to be? Look at verse 12 & 13: how is giving described? Paul instructed each member of the church to set aside money to be used for God’s people (1 Co.16:1-2). This money was to be collected on Sunday. List the top five things you eagerly desire to spend your money on. Are any of these an expression of giving selflessly? Write Proverbs 3:9-10 on an index card; memorize it and meditate upon it. Recite it whenever you have the desire to spend money and ask yourself, “How can I honor God with my wealth?”

WEDNESDAY

Being at services every Sunday and reminding ourselves of the reason why we come together on Sundays can be a very convicting affair. As you grow older in Christ you realize the importance of consistent attendance and participation in the services. We are not there as spectators, but as participants of the Supper with Jesus Himself. This can cause us to reflect on our life and doctrine; are they in sync? Am I being sincere before God’s throne? Sincerity involves confession of our sin (mistakes). Consider James 5:16. To whom must you confess your sins? Whom should you ask to pray for you? Confessing sin and not being ashamed before the Lord is necessary for effective and powerful prayer. Write Proverbs 28:13 on an index card; memorize and meditate upon it. Get together with a sister/brother and confess your sins and pray for each other.

THURSDAY

Another area of worship is singing. Read Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 carefully and write down the key attitudes necessary for spiritual joy to remain, even in the most difficult trials. Let us focus on Ephesians 5:17-21. What does getting drunk on wine lead to? What does being “filled” with the Holy Spirit lead to? How does joy in the Spirit express itself? What is the purpose of singing? The result of being filled with the Spirit is a joyful heart that sings. Do you like singing? Do you sing with your heart as well as your voice? Write down your thoughts on the following: Colossians 3:16-17; James 5:13; Hebrews 13:15. Express your joy in the Spirit in song. And remember, God does not judge by the quality of the voice, but rather by the quality of the heart! Write Ephesians 5:18-19 on an index card; memorize and meditate upon it.

FRIDAY

I’m sure that next Sunday’s worship service will be seen in new light by all of us who have studied diligently these passages. Isn’t it beautiful the way the Lord has arranged everything to be edifying and supportive of us!? Carefully read Ephesians 4:11-16. Why has God assigned apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and pastors to the church? Look up the meaning of these in a Bible dictionary. Is it God’s desire for you to grow? Why is it important to grow? Notice verses 15 & 16: What is your part in church growth? Remember, the only way you can be built up is if you are willing to be broken down. What can you do to prepare yourself for the works of service in the church? Write down your thoughts on Jeremiah 18:1-6. Write Ephesians 4:11-12 on an index card; memorize it and meditate upon it.

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