Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
Week 9: Chapter 8 — The Church That God Builds
Read Chapter 8 of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Key passages: Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10–15.
Previewing Week 9 of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 13-week guide when you’re ready.
What does a church look like that has been built by God rather than by human ambition or strategy? Cymbala's answer is both encouraging and deeply convicting.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Cymbala emphasizes the word "I" — it is Christ's church, and he is the builder. How does that change the way a pastor, elder, or church member thinks about their role?
2.He contrasts churches that grow because of demographic trends, clever marketing, or a gifted communicator, with churches that grow because God is clearly at work. Is it possible to tell the difference? What distinguishes the two?
3.Cymbala describes the Brooklyn Tabernacle as growing not because they targeted a particular demographic or launched a slick outreach strategy, but because desperate people in a hard city were drawn by the Spirit to a place of genuine prayer and welcome. What does that suggest about what the "attractional" element of a healthy church should actually be?
a.What is your church currently doing to attract people? Is it primarily human-driven or Spirit-driven?
b.What is the difference between being "seeker-friendly" and being genuinely Spirit-filled?