Nov 03 2024
The Church & The State
Matthew 22:15-22
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
The Distinction
The Relationship
The Future
This Week's Growth Guide
God’s Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.
•. Monday - Matthew 5:13-16
•. Tuesday - Matthew 22:15-22
•. Wednesday - Romans 13:1-7
•. Thursday - 1 Timothy 2:1-4
•. Friday - Philippians 3:20-21
Home Church Questions
1. Have someone read Matthew 22:15-22. The goal of the two groups was to trap Jesus. Why would this question about paying taxes potentially be a trap?
2. What is the meaning of Jesus’ answer to their question. Why does He answer this way?
3. This passage suggests a distinction between the Roman government and God. It was mentioned in the sermon that some governments have not recognized a distinction between the church and government. What are some of the negative consequences that can occur when there is no distinction between these two spheres? For example, why would it be a problem if the state tried to force someone to convert to a particular religion?
4. In an ideal situation, what should Christians expect of government? What is the responsibility of the government to the church?
5. While the government has responsibilities to the church, we have responsibilities to the state. First, we are supposed to be salt and light (have someone read Matthew 5:13-16). Why is it important that we are being transformed by the Gospel and becoming more like Christ in order to have an impact as salt and light wherever we live? What are some ways you are representing Christ to the people in your neighborhood, your workplace, your school, your team?
6. Second, we also have certain responsibilities to obey the government God has placed over us (see 1 Tim 2:1-3 and Romans 13:1-6). Why is it important for Christians to be diligent to obey the laws?
7. Third, we live under a government in which we can have an influence on policies and laws. What are some ways we can have an influence and why should we try to have an influence?
8. Philippians 3:20-21 reminds us our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. If we truly believe this, how should this impact how we live as citizens in Conway?
Mission Highlight - Pray for the Unreached: The Northern Uzbek in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has a population of 27.5 million, with Islam as the main religion and Uzbek as the primary language. Christians make up less than 0.1% of the population. While the complete Bible is available in both written and oral form, no movement of the gospel has been reported. An estimated 550 workers are needed, with a ratio of 1 worker per 50,000 people. Focus Prayer on sending long-term laborers to the Uzbeks, fostering religious freedom, and spreading the Good News through strong local disciple-making households. The goal is for Uzbek families to embrace Jesus and build movements of faith across the country.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,297
Giving For 10/20 35,240
Giving For 10/27 14,135
YTD Budget 600,052
Giving 511,958
OVER/(UNDER) (88,094)
Fellowship 101
We invite you to join us next Sunday, November 10, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you’re new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time,
you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Feed the Need - TODAY 10-2:00 p.m.
Join us in filling the Conway Ministry Center’s food pantry. Simply grab a list of preferred items at one of the participating grocery stores, purchase the items, and drop them off with the volunteers at the truck in the store’s parking lot! Fellowship is hosting the Wal-mart neighborhood Market today!
Operation Christmas Child - Our 2024 Operation Christmas Child season is in full swing!
Your involvement in Operation Christmas Child is one of the easiest ways to place your fingerprints, or your children’s fingerprints, on the great things God is doing worldwide. These shoeboxes are Gospel opportunities used by God in church planting, multi-generation discipleship, and changing the lives of entire villages across the world. Would you consider how many boxes you and your family might be called to pack? For more information go to fellowshipconway.org/occ. If you want to volunteer at the Dallas Processing Center, email Paul Bradley at [email protected]. The last day to sign up is November 10.
Fellowship Kids Family Hike
Fellowship families plan to join us on Saturday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m. Please bring a picnic lunch and meet us on the playground at Woolly Hollow. We will head out for a fun hike and come back to enjoy a picnic lunch together.
Prayer During Service
We love to pray for one another. Our prayer team will have people at the front of the Auditorium under the signs Hope and Love to pray for you after the message. Please feel free to walk up to them for prayer or encouragement during the first worship song after the message.