← Beyond Belief

Study 15

The Church, the Spirit, and the Mission

The church exists to proclaim and display the gospel until Christ returns, empowered by the latter rain.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The final movement of the book turns outward. Sequeira argues that the church is not a club of the saved but the corporate body through which Christ continues His ministry to the world. Its message is the everlasting gospel; its power is the Holy Spirit; its credential is agape love among its members. He connects the promise of the latter rain to the church's recovery of the gospel: the outpouring of the Spirit in fullness awaits a people who have themselves entered into the experience of righteousness by faith, because the Spirit will not empower a message of self-salvation. Sequeira calls for a church whose evangelism is defined by the announcement of what God has done rather than by demands for what people must do. He closes with an appeal to move 'beyond belief' — beyond mere assent to doctrinal propositions — into the living reality of Christ in us, which alone finishes the work and hastens the return of the Lord.

Key points

  • The church is Christ's corporate body continuing His mission.
  • Agape among believers is the church's primary credential.
  • The latter rain accompanies a recovered gospel, not merely increased zeal.
  • 'Beyond belief' means moving from assent to living reality.

Key passages

  • John 13:34-35
  • Acts 1:8
  • Joel 2:23, 28-29
  • Ephesians 4:11-16
  • Matthew 24:14
  • Colossians 1:27

Study questions12 total

  1. 1.

    How does Sequeira describe the nature and purpose of the church?

    Comprehension
  2. 2.

    According to John 13:34-35, what convinces the world? Why is doctrine alone insufficient?

    Scripture
  3. 3.

    What is the relationship Sequeira draws between the latter rain and the recovery of the gospel?

    Doctrinal Clarity
  4. 4.

    Contrast evangelism that announces accomplished good news with evangelism that primarily issues demands. How would each series be structured?

    Contrast
  5. 5.

    Study Ephesians 4:11-16. What is the goal of ministry gifts, and how is maturity measured?

    Scripture
  6. 6.

    Explain Colossians 1:27. What is 'the mystery,' and how is it the hope of glory?

    Scripture
  7. 7.

    Why does Sequeira say the Spirit will not empower a message of self-salvation?

    Doctrinal Clarity
  8. 8.

    What does Matthew 24:14 tie the end to? What kind of 'gospel' must be preached?

    Scripture
  9. 9.

    In what sense must a believer go 'beyond belief'? What is the danger of stopping at correct doctrine?

    Doctrinal Clarity
  10. 10.

    Name one structure or programme in your church that could be reoriented around the gospel this quarter.

    Application
  11. 11.

    How can a small group cultivate agape practically rather than sentimentally?

    Application
  12. 12.

    Having finished the book, write a one-page statement of the gospel as you now understand it, and identify what changed.

    Application