WEEK 2 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

The Future Church: Time to dream again

Introduction:

The Future Church series explores how the church can adapt and thrive in a changing world, often drawing inspiration from the Bible and the early Christian community. We will focus on topics such as cultivating intimacy with God, understanding how to follow Jesus, connecting with the church community, serving others, and giving in response to God’s grace.

Something To Talk About:

The future of the church is a topic of much discussion and debate, with various perspectives on its challenges and potential paths forward. However, there’s also a sense of hope and opportunity, with a focus on discipleship, community engagement, and a renewed emphasis on the core message of faith. The future church requires:

A radical recommitment to Jesus as Lord: It’s a call to a transformative lifestyle that challenges the very core of our being. To follow Jesus is to embark on a journey of self-denial, where our desires and ambitions are placed on the altar of His will. This commitment requires that we take up our cross daily—an act not just of sacrifice but of surrender. In a world that often prioritizes self-fulfillment and personal gain, Jesus invites us to a countercultural way of living. He asks us to let go of the life we thought we wanted in exchange for a life that is richer, deeper, and ultimately more fulfilling. It is through our willingness to lose our lives for His sake that we discover the true meaning of life.
A radical recommitment to Jesus as the way: In a world filled with countless paths and options, Jesus boldly claims, “I am the way.” This declaration is not just a statement of belief; it is a radical call to commit our lives fully to Him as our guide, our truth, and our source of life. To embrace Jesus as the way means acknowledging Him as the only path to true fulfillment, purpose, and connection with God. Radical commitment to Jesus as the way requires us to relinquish our understanding and direction. It calls us to trust Him completely, even when the road ahead seems uncertain or challenging. In a culture that often promotes individualism and self-discovery, Jesus invites us to lay down our maps and follow Him, the ultimate guide.
A radical renewal of the Holy Spirit: There are moments in the Christian journey when we find ourselves dry, weary, and going through the motions. Our prayers feel hollow. Our worship feels routine. Our zeal fades into memory. But it is precisely in these moments that the Spirit of God longs to do something not minor, not cosmetic—but radical. A radical renewal of the Holy Spirit is not just a fresh coat of paint on a tired soul. It is a profound, inner transformation—a tearing down of the old and a rebuilding by the fire of God’s presence. It is not comfortable. It rarely fits neatly into our schedules. But it is necessary. Radical renewal doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes when we surrender deeper.

Discussion Questions:

When you think about the future of the church, what do you feel? (Hope? Fear? Uncertainty?) Why do you think you feel that?
What would you like the church of the future to look like?
How is making Jesus the Lord of your life, not just Savior, different from simply believing in Him for salvation?
How does the call to “deny yourself and take up your cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23) relate to the concept of radical commitment in our modern context?
What are some examples of biblical figures (e.g., Abraham, the apostles, Paul) who demonstrated radical commitment to God, and what aspects of their lives illustrate this commitment?
The sermon emphasized that radical commitment is not about being “super Christians” but is a call for all believers. How can this understanding encourage or challenge you?
Consider what is both comforting and challenging about Jesus stating, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. Consider how this statement relates to or differs from cultural ideas about finding personal truth or creating one’s own path. Consider how understanding Jesus as “the way” influences daily decisions.
Living out a radical commitment is made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, not solely through personal strength. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit for empowerment for greater faithfulness and boldness?
Which of the eight challenges feels present in your life?
What specific changes can be implemented this week to pursue a deeper, more interactive relationship with Jesus and live out these principles more intentionally?

Take one thing home with you:

The church as the bride of Christ: Revelation 19:7-8 says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

The imagery of the church as the bride of Christ is one of the most intimate and powerful metaphors in the entire Bible. It paints a picture not of an organization or building, but of a beloved people being prepared for a wedding — a people deeply loved, cherished, and pursued by Christ Himself. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells a love story. God calls His people to Himself, not merely for obedience or service, but for relationship, enduring, and faithful. Christ, the Bridegroom, has laid down His life to redeem His Bride. He doesn’t just tolerate us — He treasures us.

So what does this mean for us? It means we are not alone. We are not unloved. We are not forgotten. It means the Church is not just a gathering — it’s a bride in waiting, adorned in grace, preparing for the return of her King.