*‘Legacy 210’ is our Capital Campaign soon to be launched, so named because everyone will leave behind some legacy (good or bad) and from Judges 2:10 – “After that genera- tion died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remem- ber the mighty things He had done for Israel.” May this not be said of us, Not On Our Watch! What Are We Doing Here?

**Joshua Celebration takes place every Fall at Christ Church and intentionally inviting every devoted follower to serve in some area of ministry for the coming year. Where has the Lord gifted you to serve His church? Text: : 14-7:1

The Plain Truth: Creating Sacred ______is putting a ______in the ground to give _____ and ______to a lost world.

3 Movements of the Christian life: 1. ______in 2. ______up a. Prayer and Singing b. Devoted Followers of c. World Changers

3. Building Sacred Spaces for ______and ______a. ______b. ______

One Year Reading Sept 3: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7, Psalm 47:1-9, Proverbs 22:16 Sept 4: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18, :8-16, Psalm 48:1-14, Prov. 22:17-19 Sept 5: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14, 2 Cor. 8:1-15, Psalm 49:1-20, Prov. 22:20-21 Sept 6: Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16, 2 Cor. 8:16-24, Psalm 50:1-23, Prov. 22:22-23 Sept 7: Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14, 2 Cor. 9:1-15, Psalm 51:1-19, Prov. 22:24-25 Sept 8: Isaiah 1:1-2:22, :1-18, Psalm 52:1-9, Proverbs 22:26-27 Sept 9: Isaiah 3:1-5:30, :1-15, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 22:28-29 September 2 & 3, 2017 In the early church, homes were where believers met for discipleship and life transfor- mation. Paul’s letters (epistles) of instruction were intended to encourage and edify. Tertius (Paul’s scribe to whom he dictated when he wrote the church in Rome) sends Life Group Lesson greetings from and says, “he is my host and also serves as host to the whole Week of September 3 church” (:23). In the first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul mentions Aquila and Priscilla and the church that met in their home (:19). And again, in his letter to Colossae, Paul says to greet “Nympha and the church that meets What is the church all about? From the beginning God desires to in her house (Colossians 4:15). Paul instructs the churches to read his letters publicly live among His people. God’s blessing to Abraham and the promise of salvation con- as they meet together, to circulate the letters, and then pass them on (see Colossians tinues to unfold as God-pursuers (those who by faith have accepted the work of His 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:27). Christ) march forward in step with the Savior. Through Christ’s church, His Bride— local communities of faith comprising a universal body of believers—the Lord’s mes- 2. At Christ Church one of our core values is for ‘fully devoted followers’ to be part sage of forgiveness is proclaimed to the world. The apostle Paul says this: “For God of a Life Group that meets in someone’s home. In an informal, intimate surround- was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself… and He gave us this wonderful mes- ing, participants study God’s Word and learn what it means to be a Christ- sage of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal follower. Participants are free to ask questions and share struggles. Prayer is also through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians a key component of Life Groups. Are you part of a Life Group? If so, how has it 5:19-20) made a difference for you?

In Old Testament days, was the place the LORD chose for His name to be honored. There in the Holy of Holies was the Ark containing the Covenant the LORD If you’re not a part of a Life Group, resolve today to give it a try! Simply stop by had made with His people Israel (2 Chronicles 6:6, 11). This sacred space pointed to the Life Group connections booth at your campus or call the church office. a time in the future when God would establish a new covenant with His people and write His law upon their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). The Temple pointed to a time Although God has given believers today, the New Testament church, the tremendous when every believer, those who by faith would yoke with Christ, would become liv- gift of His indwelling Spirit, geography is still important. Jerusalem remains an im- ing ‘temples’ for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). portant site for Jews and Christians alike. And although a mosque is currently occupy- Now, the Ark of the Covenant is in God’s Temple in heaven (Revelation 11:19) and ing space on the Temple mount east of the Mount of Olives, Christ will one day return one day God’s home will indeed be among His people (Revelations 21:3). and gloriously enter the Eastern Gate. There will be a new Jerusalem that will come “down from God out of heaven” (Revelation 21:2). The glory of the God of Israel will Read :11-21 appear from the east and His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem (see Ezekiel 43:1-4, Zechariah 14:3-9, Psalm 24:7-10). The Good News is this: people can be made right with God through Christ! On the day of Pentecost when the church was birthed, Peter brought clarity to the amazing 3. The following passages all speak of the significance of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount: events taking place. For those under conviction, Peter boldly outlined what they Genesis 14:17-20 – Melchizedek blesses Abram; Genesis 22:2 – Abraham’s obedi- needed to do: “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be bap- ence regarding his son; 1 Chronicles 22:1 – God spares Jerusalem after David’s tized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will re- census; and 2 Chronicles 3:1 – the place chosen for the Temple. Do you believe ceive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you… even to the Gentiles (Acts God cares about location? Explain. 2:32-33, 38-39a). God’s presence filled all who believed! They met regularly in one place. Every day they worshiped at the Temple and met in homes (Acts 2:44, 46). God wants Christ Church to stay strong. It’s difficult to grasp, but every local 1. There is no such thing as isolated, solo . While it’s important to church is part of the Church Triumphant and God’s plan in Christ to reconcile the spend one-on-one time with the Lord, it is also vital that we gather with other world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). Is Christ Church making a difference in your believers. Why is this? life, in your family? Explain.

What does Hebrews 10:19-31 say about the treasure of salvation (the gift every believer shares) and the importance of meeting together regularly? With ‘Legacy 210’* and our Joshua Celebration** on the horizon, how do you see yourself plugging into the mission a little more intentionally? Share.