Connect Write a prayer about how you long to develop and deploy your God-given gifts to build up Christ’s church this year.
Warm-Up
- Do you ever imagine New Creation? What type of images come to mind?
Read Ephesians 5:21-33
- How many times does Paul address wives and husbands? How many times does he mention Christ and the church?
- Read verse 32. Why should we consider marriage as an image of Christ and the church?
- Where else in the Bible is the image of bride or a wedding used? What is the image of the church as the bride of Christ meant to convey? How does Christ love the church?
Read Revelation 19:6-9
- Who is the wedding between? Who is the Lamb and who is his bride?
- Considering the reputation of God’s bride in the Old Testament, why is this union surprising?
- What does the Lamb point to? What is the cost of this union between Christ and the church?
- How should Christ’s sacrificial love for the church motivate and direct our love for each other?
- What is our future in Christ? How should this future shape our commitment to each other?
- What would it look like for you to show sacrificial love for the church? What do you want to continue to do, or what would you like to grow in?
- Who are the guests at the wedding supper?
- What is the best party you have ever been to? What made it so good and enjoyable?
- In what ways do you anticipate New Creation to be like the very best party? How can you adjust your expectations?
- Who will we be enjoying New Creation with? Who are you looking forward to being together with?
- Who do you long to be there? This week, invite them to come to Alpha.
Read Matthew 25:1-13
- Who is the bridegroom? When will he be returning? Who are we meant to be like?
- How can we together in Christ, help each other be ready for Jesus’ return?
Apply Who do you want to share the wedding supper with? Commit to praying for them each day, and if there is an opportunity, invite them to Alpha.
