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Lesson A 5 - The Church Comes Alive!

A. The fellowship of Christians has been a positive experience for many people over the centuries. Take a moment and share with the group one of the most encouraging things that has happened to you as a Church attender:

B. During the early days, just after it began, what were some of the things that the Holy Spirit did to build and nourish the Church? List the characteristics after each passage:

1. Revelations 2:7 (also 11, 29)
2. Hebrews 2:1-4
3. I Thessalonians 1:5,6
4. Colossians 1:8
5. Ephesians 4:3
6. Ephesians 2:18-22
7. Romans 14:17
8. Romans 8:26,27
9. Romans 5:5
10. Acts 20:28
11. Acts 16:6-9

C. In light of our study on the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the Church in the previous question, discuss what the Church would be like if the Spirit were somehow hindered from doing its work?:

D. From your memory about the New Testament Church in the Scriptures, describe some of the things that were taking place that were encouraging a sense of “awe” and nurturing a feeling of “joy and gladness” among the people (as in Acts 2:46):

E. Read III John 4 and I Thessalonians 2:19. What kinds of things would bring a similar sense of joy into the modern Church?

F. In the discussion time before our closing prayer today, take a few minutes and ask: “Lord, point out to me how I might bring greater joy to my Church through YOU.”

G. If you can, share with your group what the Lord might have said on this matter through our lesson today...