Who Are We?

6 QUESTIONS EVERY CHURCH SHOULD ASK
“Who Are We?”

Pastor Scott Oas | 10.11.15

CORE VALUES OF THE CHURCH

Discovering IDENTITY

ONE: THE MODEL OF TRUE IDENTITY – HE IS!

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firtsborn over all creation.” - Colossians 1:15 (NIV)

TWO: OUR IDENTITY – WE’RE NOT!

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” - Colossians 1:21 (NIV)

“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—” - Colossians 1:22 (NIV)

THREE: OUR HOPE – LIVING IN HIS IDENTITY

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” - Romans 5:5 (NIV)

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household...” - Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...” - II Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

GOING DEEPER

SCRIPTURE READING: Colossians 1:15-23

GETTING STARTED

What characteristics would you say you “got” from your parents?

What positive traits? Challenging (negative) traits?

What are some of the core values of the church?

A CLOSER LOOK

Read Colossians 1:15-19.

What do these verses reveal about Christ’s identity? Why is that important for us?

Of these “He is” statements, which strike you the most right now? Why?

Read verse 21.

What does it mean when it says, “Once, you were alienated”?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read verse 22.

Why is “but now” such an important transition for each of us?

What are the benefits you receive from the truth of these words: “but now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation…”?

What does “free from accusation” mean to you personally?