The Church Beyond Walls

Mended Life Talk is designed to take you deeper into this past week’s sermon, helping you explore and understand biblical truths while applying them to your daily life. Our goal is to guide you in growing your faith, strengthening your relationship with God, and equipping you to face life’s challenges with a renewed perspective.

1. START TALKING.

Get the conversations started and dive into this past week’s scripture.

• Warm-Up Questions:

  1. When you think of the word “wild,” what comes to mind? How might this relate to the idea of living out your faith?

  2. Have you ever felt called to step outside your comfort zone for your faith? What was the result?

2. START DISCOVERING.

Context is Everything! Anything stand out in this week’s scripture?

1. Read Matthew 28:18-20:

   • The Great Commission commands us to “go.” What does this mean for the church as a whole and for us as individuals?

   • How does Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” provide assurance as we step into the “wild”?

2. Reflect on Matthew 11:12:

   • What does it mean that “the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing”?

   • How do we reconcile the challenges and opposition that come with advancing God’s Kingdom?

3. Examine Acts 18:9-10:

   • In what ways does God’s message to Paul—“Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!”—apply to the challenges we face today?

   • How can we trust that God is with us, even in times of fear or uncertainty?

4. Discuss Unity in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-12):

   • Why is unity in the church essential for carrying out its mission?

   • What steps can we take to ensure we are building bridges rather than walls within our church community?

5. Consider Christ as the Unifying Factor (1 Corinthians 1:13-16):

   • How does keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and our church help prevent divisions?

   • What are some things in your life that might distract you from this central focus?

3. START APPLYING.

Apply it to my life.

• Personal Reflection:
  Reflect on an area where you feel God calling you to step out in faith. What’s holding you back, and how can you overcome it?

• Action Steps:

  1. Identify one way you can “go” into your community this week to share God’s love—whether through a conversation, an act of service, or an invitation.

  2. Write down one step you can take to promote unity within your church or community. This might involve addressing a conflict, offering encouragement, or volunteering.

• Challenge:
  Meditate on Acts 18:9-10. Whenever fear or doubt arises, remind yourself of God’s promise: “I am with you.”

4. START PRAYING.

Be bold. Pray with power.

• Group Prayer Focus:

  • Thank God for the calling to be a “church beyond walls.”

  • Pray for courage to step out in faith and for unity within the church to accomplish its mission.

  • Ask for wisdom to see the “wild” opportunities where God is leading you and the boldness to act on them.

• Personal Prayer:
  Spend time asking God to reveal areas where you can step out in faith this week. Thank Him for His constant presence and ask for the courage to trust His plan.

5. START DOING.

Personal Response. Growing people change.

• Next Steps:

  • Reflect on what it means to be a part of a faith unleashed: the church beyond walls. How can you live out this calling in your everyday life?

  • Be intentional about connecting with someone who might feel disconnected or overlooked. Extend an invitation to join you in experiencing the love of Christ.

  • Memorize Matthew 28:19-20, allowing the Great Commission to inspire and guide you throughout the week.