15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matt 16:15-18
Q & A：
- Explain what church is and what roles or functions of church has in your view. Discuss what God’s view of His Church is, considering that we are the temple of God, also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house, and are different parts of His body. (Matt 16:15-18; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:5)
- Discuss what techniques the devil uses to derail the church from her calling, particularly with strife and division within church, self-serving church (maintenance or consumer mentality), and indifference church (turn cold toward God). Discuss what kind of church does Jesus intend to build by referring to acknowledging the head of the church, Great Commission, mandate and vision of a local church. (Matt 16:18b)
- Why is the vision of a local church important for the believers and members? Do you identify with ICS’ vision “We are a family blessed to bless the community and the nations” and discuss how can you see yourself in supporting the “catch, connect, convert” strategy through ICS’ outreach platform? (Prov 29:18)