**Bedrock Beliefs: The Centrality of the Local Church
Pastor McCarty
June 25th, 2017

Small Group Study Questions**

There are some who would see the Church as a continuation of the nation of Israel. They would say that we have simply taken Israel’s spot in the Bible and are the recipients of their blessings and promises. But the Church is not a continuation of Israel. Why is it important that the Church and Israel are distinct from one another?

Pastor made the statement “There is nothing more central to God’s plan for this age than the local church.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Read Hebrews 10:24-25 and consider the phrase “all the more…” in verse 25. Why is it beneficial to regularly and frequently meet with the church?

What are some of the marks of a biblical local church? What distinguishes a local church from other organizations?

Is membership to a local church important? Why or why not?

There are many parachurch organizations in our world in which a Christian can serve. How should parachurch organizations relate to the local church? How should a Christian view service in a parachurch organization compared to service in a local church?

Under the point “The Utilization of the Local Church,” Pastor spent time talking about evangelism and the church. Is there a difference between “making a convert” and “making a disciple?” If there is a difference, how should that affect our approach to evangelism?