ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

PICTURES OF THE CHURCH 8: THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions on the eighth of our series on Pictures of the Church. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. Read Revelation 19:6-9. What is it that inspires the note of rejoicing in this passage?

2. Why is this picture of the joy of future perfection so important for us here and now?

3. In what ways does our life together at St Nicolas Church reflect the joy of our final destination?

4. Read Ephesians 5:25-33. Leaving aside the issue of how we should apply Paul's instructions about husbands and wives, what underlying truths is he teaching about Christ and the church?

5. How do we know that God really does love us? What difference does this make to your life?

6. What does a 'radiant church' look like?

7. Earlier in the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul contrasts what we are to put off with what we are to put on in terms of Christian behaviour. Have a look at Ephesians 4:22 - 5:4. What strikes you about the things he mentions?

8. Read 2 Corinthians 11:2-4. What is Paul using the picture of the church as the bride of Christ to get across here? How does this apply to us today?

9. What concrete examples of the connection between Christian belief and Christian behaviour can you think of?

10. What do you see as your contribution to the wedding dress we are, in the way we live, stitching together at St Nicolas?

11. Spend some time praying for the life of St Nicolas in ways inspired by the image of the church as the Bride of Christ.

David Stone
16 July 2008