Unity in the Body

​Note: I am writing this after Brian Creary's sermon on Jan. 28. -Rev. Kim Salo

Bible readings: Colossians 1:15-20
Hebrews 12:26-29

1. After saying in Col. 1:15 to 17 that the Son of God is the firstborn over all creation, and all that is seen or unseen was made in him, Colossians 1:18 says that Christ is the head of the body, the church. 
How does Christ function as the head of the church you belong to? Note how the verbs in this passage are present tense, not "was" or "will be." In other words, how does Christ's  supremacy over his church become visible and real to us in the present time?

2. We often consider our personal relationship with Christ as having primary importance. Can a church or congregation have a corporate relationship with Christ? If so, does Christ judge a local church? Or only members of it? What about denominations? How does Christ relate to denominations?

3. The church is the bride of Christ. (See Rev. 19:7, 21:2, 21:9, 22:17) He will return for his bride. Brian Creary said, "Don't mess with his beautiful bride." What do you think that means for us? Among other things, Brian said that in the end Christ's church is going to be OK. What do you think of that statement?

4. Unity in Christ is a big subject. What do you believe constitutes true unity in his church? 

5. Read Hebrews 12:25-29. We will receive an unshakeable kingdom. What things will remain after God shakes both heaven and earth (verses 28-28)? What will not outlast this final shaking? What will help us be ready for this time?