THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
We have events coming up for women and men soon. Make the most of this fall and get plugged into our Women’s or Men’s Ministry! WOMEN’S THRIVE PREVIEW is August 29. MAN NIGHT KICKOFF is September 8. Sign up today at adabible.info under Info& Events.
GROUP VALUES
This month we look at the group value of Relational Investments. Talk about how God is moving your heart as you pray for the people in your life you want to see come to know him. Share any opportunities you’ve had to talk about God with those people.
GROW AS A LEADER
Have you joined our Small Groups Leaders Facebook Page? This group is a great place to connect with leaders from other campuses, ask questions and learn together. Join us at facebook.com/groups/adasmallgroupleaders.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the third week of our series THE CHURCH. This week, we explore how the New Testament refers to the church as the Bride of Christ.
What’s a memorable wedding experience for you?
A BRIDE IS LOVED
Have someone read Ephesians 5:25-26 aloud. What do we learn about Jesus’s relationship with the church?
How does what Jesus did demonstrate the depth of his love?
There are times when things happen to us, and we can get discouraged. In these moments, it can be extremely powerful to remember how much Jesus loves us as his bride. What are you going through that you need to remind yourself of how much God loves you?
A BRIDE IS FAITHFUL
Have someone read 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 aloud. What stands out to you in this passage?
Paul says he wants the church to be pure. He doesn’t want them to be deceived by a different Jesus and a different gospel. What are some views of Jesus that our culture might try to deceive us with?
How does being deceived lead us to cheat on Jesus?
What are some things we can do to keep from being deceived?
How can our small group help encourage each other to do those things?
A BRIDE IS BEAUTIFUL
Have someone read Revelation 19:7-8 aloud. What do you notice when you hear this passage?
It says the bride has made herself ready. What do you think it means for a church community to make itself ready as the bride?
In what ways can the church community and our small group make ourselves ready?
John writes that the clothing was given to the bride. Why do you think it is significant that the clothing is given to her?
How can we balance making ourselves ready but also knowing righteousness is a gift?
WRAP UP
Today we talked about the church as more than a building–it’s a bride. What part of the bride imagery was most compelling to you, and how will that change the way you think about the church?