Ekklēsia - Part 3 (Plugging In)

Ekklēsia - The Assembly of the Church
Part  - Plugging In

Church Attendance
Read Heb 10:24-25 / 1 Cor 16:2 / Acts 20:7. Answer the following questions.
Is there a mandate on how often to meet? Why is it important to meet regularly?

Volunteerism
Read Jas 2:14-17
What does James mean when he says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead?”

Now, read Mk 10:43-45. What does it mean to be a servant (diakonos) in this context?

In Galatians 1:10 we read, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
The word servant (doulos) here is clearly different and an important point to make when talking about volunteerism.

Diakonos – one who serves; assistant; attendant. This is where we get the word Deacon.

Doulos – A slave, devoted and owned by another to the disregard of one’s own interests.

In Col 3:23-24 we read, “"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Keeping Col 3:23-24 in mind, how should be serve in the local church? To help in your response, read Gal 5:13.

Small Group Attendance
Read Acts 2:42-47, concentrating on vv. 46-47 to answer the following question.
How often was the early church meeting and what does that mean for us in our churches today?

Now reference Jas 5:16 and answer the following question.
What two actions are we to perform if we are to apply this verse to small groups? What are some of the benefits of these actions?

In Jn 13:34-35 Jesus gives us a command. What is this command and how does it benefit the church?

Importance of Bible Intake (Study) and Accountability
Read Mt 4:4. Why is it so important to consistently read, study, meditate upon, and pray upon the Scripture?

Can we effectively do what Prov 27:17 says if we don’t self-study and prepare ourselves for meeting with others to study Scripture?

Being Vulnerable
Now read Gal 6:2. What does this verse tell us about vulnerability and actively participating in the lives of others in the church?

In 2 Cor 12:9-10 we read about Paul and the thorn that was given to him. After asking the Lord to take this “thorn” away from him the Lord responds to him:

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (ESV).

In light of Gal 6:2, what does this tell us about our own afflictions/weaknesses?