The essence of Christianity (Soul Care notes for week of 03.15)

Really use this time to help you and your group grow as it relate to tour theme:  Taking the Word to the World.

Here are the Soul Care notes with some really basic helps...

Here is a basic question to answer at the beginning and throughout your meeting time:  What is the essence of Christianity?

I put this quote from the sermon at the bottom of the Soul Care notes.   “The essence of Christianity is what God has done on your behalf through Jesus.”     As you discuss this question remember the word essence, which means "the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character."  

The essence is Christianity is not going to church, reading the Bible, faith in God.  Other groups say their followers need to one or all of these things.   

The essence of Christianity is what God has done for us through Jesus. 

What is the problem with “mere religion?”

"The problem with mere religion (even sincerely held religion) is two-fold...  (1)  Religion can produce self-reliance.  (2)  Self-reliance doesn't point you to grace... It points back to self" 

The problem with "mere religion" is it denies what the essence of Christianity is - What God has done.

Describe the reactions of Festus (v. 24) and Agrippa (v. 28).

Festus:  Loud name calling.Agrippa:  Questioning Paul's motive

What was Paul’s response to their reactions?

Verse 29:  "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am - except these chains. 

Paul wasn't sure of the timing but he was sure of the source, God, of eternal life.  He also shared the hope he had in Christ.

What lessons can we learn from this passage of scripture?

Paul shares the Gospel with persuasion and invitation but not coercion. 

Our testimony should be less about me and more about God and what He is doing.