The Fabric of Our Faith

In one paragraph

Gary Geek brought the message on November 5, 2017, with Pastor Ray and Pastor Carl both away. He called it "The Fabric of Our Faith," and it centered on the call every Christian has to share the full gospel, without watering it down and without fear. Gary opened by naming the excuses Christians reach for when they avoid sharing their faith: it's not my calling, I might push people away, I live the...

Read together

1. Philippians 1:14 cited to show that Paul's chains made brothers confident to proclaim the gospel without fear
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 quoted to show that anyone in Christ is a new creature and old things pass away
3. Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus quoted on the narrow gate and broad road leading to destruction versus the narrow road leading to life
4. John 14:6 Jesus quoted as the only way to the Father
5. John 6:44 Jesus quoted that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them

Talk about it

1. Gary mentioned a survey where only one in four Christians believed it was their responsibility to share their faith. Why do you think that number is so low, and do you recognize any of the excuses he listed in yourself?
2. Gary described the gospel as a balance between truth and grace, and said the world is pressuring the church toward the grace side alone. Where have you seen that pressure, and how do you think we should respond to it?
3. Gary said the cross is offensive because it demands, not just suggests, a new lifestyle. How do you personally talk about that cost when you share your faith with someone?
4. Gary warned against presenting the gospel mainly as a list of benefits, such as better self-esteem or solved problems, without including repentance and the lordship of Christ. Have you ever heard the gospel presented that way, and what effect do you think it has?
5. Gary closed by saying his hope was that we would share the full counsel of the gospel without fear. What is one specific situation in your life right now where you could act on that, and what is holding you back?