MISSION GROUP QUESTIONS FROM EXODUS: PEOPLE OF PILGRIMAGE 13/9/09

Steve reminded us that the climax of Exodus is God dwelling with his people (Ex 40:34-38). The book finishes with the people of God being led by the presence of God. Why? This is how God wants to save the world.

Steve showed how the bible tells the story of God dwelling with his people.
Eden - God’s presence with Adam and Eve and perfect harmony between mankind and God, man and women and mankind and the world.
Fall - Sin enters and mankind is excluded from God’s presence.
The Tabernacle - God is back with his people.
The Problem - God’s presence is holy and impossible for mankind to enter
The Cross - Jesus dies as a substitute for us and cleanses us from our sin
The Church and the Spirit - God’s presence once again dwells with his people
The New Creation - No temple anymore, God’s presence covers the whole earth.

We live in the age of the church and therefore we must ask how God’s presence transforms us in order to transform the world?

The Apostle Paul suggests in Eph 2:14-22 that the Holy Spirit creates UNITY and DIVERSITY.

God’s plan for the church is for it to become one new humanity and through this he will transform the world.

Mission group Questions:
1) What boundaries to unity are there in society?
2) What boundaries to unity can we find in our church?
3) How does the Holy Spirit help us love people?
4) How can we love our enemies?
5) How can we use our money and time to serve others -can you think of someone you can serve?
6) How can you do this with friends that aren’t Christians?
7) How can your non Christian friends see your community life in Mission group?
8) Does your community life reflect the Trinitarian community?