Witness: Exploring and Sharing Your Christian Faith

Lesson Plan

Trail Four, Session 14 = Biblical Images of the Church

(plan for a short refreshment break at some point)
References:

Trail Guide for Leaders Page 164

Trail Guide for Hikers Page 82

1. Prayer:

a. Open with reading the prayer on page 82.

2. Trail Talk:

a. What did Jesus mean when he said to Peter, "on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it?"

3. Show the Video for Trail Four:
4. The Church is Born:

a. What does Pentecost mean to you and your faith as a Christian witness?

b. How would you describe the purpose of the church?

5. The Three Images:

a. The Body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:15-16) (page 83) (refer back to "gifts" contained in the body of the church)

b. The Bride of Christ: (Ephesians 5:25-30) (page 84)

c. The Temple of Living Stones: (1 Peter 2:4-6; Psalm 118:22-24; Luke 19:39-40)

d. Which of these images to you like best? Why?

6. Moving On:

a. Review what we have covered this week.

b. Assignments for Next Week

(1). Reading Assignment:

(a) As you read the chapter for next week (pages 87-92 underline or highlight special thoughts and answer the questions in the Q boxes.

(b) Complete the daily Bible readings and place your reflections, questions and insights in your "My Witness Journal"

c. Action Assignment:

(1) Complete the Action Assignment on page 86.

8. Closing Prayer "Stay salty and let your light shine"

9. Closing Word: "See you on the path!"