Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: Colossians 1:18-20
Speaker: Pastor John Neufeld

Whenever we think of rulership, we often think of political, military or economic power.  But Jesus rules from the cross.  By that, I mean that he rules from what he has accomplished on the cross.  And interestingly enough, he is not using a nation or an army to exercise his mastery over humanity, but he is using his church. Today, we will find how his cross has not only created the church, but also how he is using his church in the world today.

A.  The Glorious Picture of What He Rules
 1.  He rules the old creation – the universe
2.  He rules the new creation – the church

B.  The Glorious Picture of How He Rules
 1.  He conceived of the church 
2.  He controls every part of the church
 3.  He gives his church deathless life
 4.  He uses the church to rule the world

C.  The Glorious Picture of the End of His Rule
 1.  He is the perfect mediator between God and man
 2.  He puts all creation in its rightful place
 3.  His universal peace is complete

MY STORY
What was your family’s attitude toward the church when you were growing up?  How did or does this attitude affect your current view of the church?   

QUICK REVIEW
This week message from Colossians 1:18–20, focused on how Christ rules from the cross and rules through the church.  What did you find most interesting or encouraging from this message?

DIGGING DEEPER
1. When you think of the global church and its place in the world, does it seem that the church is moving forward or backwards in spreading the kingdom of God around the world?  Why? 

2. Read Matthew 11:12.  What does Jesus mean by ‘the kingdom of heaven’?  What does this verse mean?  Where have you seen this taking place?

3. Read Matthew 16:18.  Recount some of the empires, philosophies and/or individuals who have set themselves up against Christ and His church.  How successful have they been? 

4. At times in church history, force has been used to convert people to Christ.  Why is the kingdom of God neither militaristic nor political in nature?  What is the kingdom of God supposed to be like?   How is this different than some other religions? 

5. The global church of Christ is moving forward even as sometimes the local church seems to flounder.  Why is it important for believers to be part of a local church in spite of some of the difficulties that accompany being involved? 

TAKING IT HOME
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 tells us that the weapons that we use to conquer in Christ’s name are not the weapons of this world, but rather are divine weapons.  What kind of ‘weapons’ are we to use to establish the kingdom of God?  In what specific area(s) do you need to be wielding these ‘weapons’ so that the kingdom of God might advance, even in the face of opposition?

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