In Christ - Discussion

Firstly watch the video and read the booklet and relevant Bible verses. Then stop and think before considering these questions. Click on the appropriate links to read other people's thoughts and to submit your own comments.

In Christ - relationships

Try to imagine your life with no relationships.
Mark 12:31
What gives meaning to each relationship?
Romans 12:3-8; Galatians 3:26-28
How would you describe God?
Psalm 8; Isaiah 55:8, 9; John 1:18
What specific roles do the Father, Son and Holy Spirit play in our lives?
John 16:13-15 and 17:20, 21

In Christ - God the Father

In what ways does the Lord’s Prayer make us a family?
Matthew 6:9-15
As God is the supreme example of fatherhood, what should parents be like?
Matthew 7:9-12; Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4
Discuss ways in which the family of God can give us identity.
Matthew 5:43-48; John 1:10-13
What aspects of family likeness can you see in your Christian fellowship?
Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 4:11-13.

In Christ - God the Son

Identify how Jesus placed relationships at the heart of all he said and did.
John 8:3-11; Mark 10:46-52; John 3:3-8; John 4:1-30; Luke 10:27, 28
Consider ways in which your priorities are changed by your commitment to Jesus.
Mark 8:34-37
What are the implications of becoming like Christ?
Philippians 3:10,11
How can we become more Christlike? 
Colossians 3:15-17

In Christ - God the Holy Spirit

Why is inner experience more important  than outward show or observance? 
Matthew 15:1-11
What does being ‘born again’ mean? 
John 3:3-8
What difference does the Holy Spirit’s presence make to our lives?
Acts 1:8; John 14:25, 26; Ephesians 1:17
What is meant by a ‘new creation’?
2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 6:15

In Christ - With each other

What does Paul mean when he says ‘We are all one in Christ’? 
Galatians 3:26-28
How well do we honour each other and other Christians as members of one body – in Christ?
1 Corinthians 12:27–13:13
Are there certain areas of discrimination – e.g. gender, ethnicity, age – that still need to be addressed in our fellowship? 
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Read Romans 8:38-39 and consider the ultimate strength of being ‘in Christ’.

Culture in Context

The concept of the corps family works well in Congo. Could your corps be described as a family? In what ways do you help each other? Are there any barriers preventing true unity in Christ?
You may or may not have tribes in your culture. But what causes division or conflict between different groups in your country? Is there a role for the Church or The Salvation Army to heal divisions?
In Congo, there is much emphasis on the extended family. Think about family life in your country. Is there any conflict for a Salvationist wanting to be both a good family member and a good church member?