9. Walk in The Church Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter 2:9-10 p. 1090, 1123.

Belonging  Belonging is fundamental to our sense of self.  Sometimes a big issue –  The refugee crisis in Europe.  As Christians, where is our place of belonging?  What is the Church?  What role does it play?  What is my part?

1. Being a People  Refugees are called “displaced people”  So were we once (Eph 2:12)  Now we are the “people of God” (1 Pet 2:10)  We are outsiders and aliens in the world (1 Pet 1:17) E.g. Supreme Court decision on “Physician Assisted Suicide”E.g. Supreme Court decision on “Physician Assisted Suicide”

2. Being a Family  Because of the church we are never “displaced”  We always have a home and a family  “You can’t choose your family”  In the Church we learn the Christian Life  Practice of daily living – what we have seen in others.

3. Being a Mystery  Often function as organization or corporation  Boards, vision, strategic plans, budgets, staff  Lose sight of being a people; disconnect from family  We are the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)  We are the presence of Christ in the world.  Christ is our Head; The Holy Spirit is our guide.

3. Being Connected to One Another  Love … (John 15:12,17)  Bear with … (Col 3:13)  Comfort … (1 Thess 4:18).  Accept … (Rom 15:7).  Honor … (Rom. 12:10).  in harmony … (Rom. 12:16)  Encourage … (Heb 3:13)  Spur on … (Heb. 10:24-25)  Teach & admonish (Col 3:16)  Confess to … (Jas 5:16).  Offer hospitality (1 Pet 4:9)  not judge … (Rom 14:13)  not slander … (Jas 4:11)  at peace with (Mark 9:50)  Build up … (Rom 14:19)  Care for … (1 Cor 12:25)

Living It  Acts 2:42 “Devoted to …”  Apostles’ Teaching  The Fellowship (Koinonia)  Breaking of Bread  The Prayers