Speaker: Pete Dibdin
Date: 19/07/2020

This week, Pete will be continuing our Converstations on the Journey, asking the question, “What is Church?” and listening once again to Jesus words in Matthew 16:13-18.

Online Service

Digging Deeper Resources

What is Church? – a series of conversations exploring different ways of being church, hosted by Rev Adrian Semerene at Gamlingay Baptist Church, and starting with an interview with Chris Duffet – prophetic artist, evangelist, city centre chaplain, on Baptist Union President 2012-2013.

What is the Church? Part 1 & Part 2 – 5 minute messages from Rev Martin Shorey at Horley Baptist.

Pictures of the Church – a teaching series from Kings Arms Church, Bedford, look at different imagery used to describe church – the Bride, the Army, the Family, the Body and the Temple of God.

What about the Church? – episode 16 from the Alpha Film Series.

Matthew 16 from the Enduring Word Commentary.

Conversations on the Journey – What is Church? – transcipt of Pete’s talk from this week online service.

Questions for Reflection

After you’ve listened to Pete’s talk based on Matthew 16:13-18, you might like to use these questions for personal reflection or a discussion at a Life Group.

What words and images come to mind when you hear the word “Church”?

Following on from question 1, how would your neighbours or people on your frontlines might respond to that very same question?

The Biblical Greek word translated as church is ecclesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia), which was the everyday word for “a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place”. What different kind of “gatherings of believers” are there (think before, during and after lockdown)?

Jesus said “I will build my church (my ecclesia)” (Matthew 16:18). How has Jesus built up the church throughout the ages, and in what ways do you see is Jesus building His church at this moment in time?

Jesus then continued “and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). Think of the things that could stop the church growing, and declare Jesus words over them, “I will build my church, and [insert here] will not over come it”

Pray to Jesus, asking him to build up his church, globally, locally, and then specifically, our church family.