July through September our series is entitled: Paul's Odyssey II
Odyssey means "a long and adventurous journey or experience". It is the second of a three-part series about the life and ministry of Paul. The text for these three months will cover Acts 15 - 18, Paul's second missionary trip.

The focus of this series is on how the early Church spread Christianity in the midst of a pagan society while enduring hostile religious persecution.
Last week we saw Paul and Silas arriving in Philippi where they stayed several days. While there they met several people who had salvation experiences.

Today we'll look at just one verse, Acts 16:40.

Question: What is your biggest regret?

After Paul and Silas were released from prison they decided to move on to a new harvest field, but first wanted to say goodbye to their new friends and leave instructions in the things of God. Do you wonder if they regretted this trip to Philippi?
As the passage concludes, we see the birth of the very first Church in what we know as Europe. The make up of this new church would have included the wealthy woman (Lydia) along with her family and associates, and possibly the fortune telling female along with others who saw her transformation, and the suicidal soldier and his family and associates.

What is the Church? How would you describe it?
The word church is a translation of the Greek word "ekklesia" which is defined as "an assembly" or "called out ones."
A church is not a building!
Romans 16:5a
The church is not Jews or Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 10:32
The church is people!
There are all kinds of churches filled with all kinds of people who attend for all kinds of reasons.

We have a choice. Will we do as Matthew 6:33 says?
If Christ loved the Church enough to die for it, and I love Christ, then I have got to love His Church, warts and all!
Although the church is not a physical building, believers are referred to as the building or temple of God. The Scriptures also make reference to the church being "the bride of Christ."
If anyone asks you, "What is the Church?" do you know how to answer them?
The Scriptures provide some very helpful visual images of what the church is like to help us understand and be able to describe it to others when asked.

1. A FAMILY
Romans 8:15-17 [NLT]
Lesson: Let us love and encourage each other as brothers and sisters.

2. A BODY
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 [NLT]
Lesson: Let us use our different gifts God has given, to serve Him and others because we all have a role to play.

3. A BRIDE
2 Corinthians 11:2 [NLT]
Lesson: Let us remember we are the bride, loved so much by Christ that He sacrificed Himself to make us clean and holy.

4. A TEMPLE
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Lesson: Let us stand firm on the truth of Jesus, making sure that Scripture is taught as the central focus. As we gather as a Church, we are like a temple.

5. A LAMP-STAND
John 8:12 [NLT]
Lesson: Let us shine the light of the gospel out of our church into this world like a lamp-stand by telling our story and sharing His story.

Hopefully these five visuals of the church will help us understand more about how God views the church and what He wants His church to be doing.
- Pray that we see the importance of this social connection that allows us to share life together.
- Meditate and pray over these five visuals that God has revealed to us about His Church.
- Pray for a pure heart and lifestyle as we mirror Christ to the lost we encounter.
- Pray that we remain faithful to each other and the mission God has called each of us to.

The laboratory for developing Christ-like character and strong relationships is our homes. (Ephesians 5-6)
The laboratory for developing and displaying the love of Christ is the Church. (John 13:34-35)