-
Thoughts On The Body Of Christ
Contributed by Sermon Central on Sep 18, 2012 (message contributor)
THOUGHTS ON THE BODY OF CHRIST
Here are some thoughts on The Church from a few 30 on down in age individuals from the book "The Relevant Church":
Quotes:
Brian Kay, "It is impossible to be a follower of Christ and not be part of a local church!"
"No one can have God as Father who does not also have the church as Mother.'
"There are several good reasons to believe that the normal Christian life becomes entirely undone when it is not lived in the presence of other believers, in regular acts of worship and service."
Robin Lemke, "I don't think there is any question in Scripture that God expects us to come together in a community to worship Him and support each other. The thrust of the New Testament from Acts onward is about followers of Christ risking their lives and freedom to make believers and establish churches. Nowhere does Paul or Silas or Peter go into a city to make believers, then send them home and expect them to simply pray by themselves and in so doing follow Christ."
Tyler Watts, "I think I disconnect from the Gospel of Jesus Christ when I'm not involved in close relationships with other believers."
Jeremy Walden, "The phrase 'go to church' makes me crazy. I am the church. Believers are the church. Instead of talking about just going into a building for a service, let's start talking about getting together with other believers to discuss God and pray together. That type of gathering is where we'll find community, a place of encouragement, sharing listening, and worship."
Philip Evans, "Every believer needs a 'church' even if it's just four or five of you meeting together to worship, I know my relationship with Christ would deteriorate if I didn't surround myself with people who encourage and challenge me in my faith."
James Bullock, "I love the diversity of church-so many different people saved from a range of pain, addictions, lifestyles-now all set free in a community together."
Andy Squyres, "When I hear the word 'church,' I think of the body of Christ in its fullness, without denominational or dogmatic boundaries, church in all its organic glory, shifting and growing, as all living things do."
Cory Passehl, "Church is not just a building or Sunday morning service, but a place where the Body of Christ comes together for encouragement, edification, challenging, rebuking. It's a place where people are cared for, a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and a place of worship."
Jendi Reiter, "Church is the one place where I am accepted 'as is.' Church gives me an understanding of human frailty and reminds me that we all need God's forgiveness-even me. Growing up as a reformed Jew, I was always pressed to achieve and compete. Then when O began attending a Christian Church in college, I discovered church could be a place of amazing refuge, acceptance, and salvation."
Robin Lemke, "I know that people say they don't need church, but anytime we gather together, God promises to be with us. What could be more enticing than God's presence? Why wouldn't we go where God promises to be?"
Emily R. Geyer, "I don't go to church out of obligation, but because I desire to worship Jesus in a place that is set aside for him, a consecrated space. It's very different than a Bible Study in my living room or just praying in my car."
(Source: "The Relevant Church" Edited by Jennifer Ashley, with Mark Driscoll, Mike Bickle and Mike Howerton. From a sermon by Michael McCartney, Church 12 Pt 1, 6/20/2012)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Wife Went With Her Friend To The Police Station ... PRO
Contributed by Bo Dunford on Apr 15, 2005
A wife went with her friend to the police station to report that her husband was missing! * When the policeman asked for a description, she said, “He’s 6 foot 2, has deep blue eyes, dark wavy hair, athletic build, well-groomed and sharply dressed, weighs 185 pounds .......” * “He’s ...read more
-
Consider This Short Poem Entitled "Power Of ... PRO
Contributed by Chris Hodges on Jul 28, 2003
Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word ...read more
-
How Do I Know He Lives? PRO
Contributed by John Hamby on Aug 11, 2003
How Do I Know He Lives? How do I know that Christ has risen? What proof have I to give? He touched my life one blessed day, And I began to live. How do I know he left the tomb That morning long ago? I met Him just this morning, And my heart is still aglow. How do I know the endless ...read more
-
It Was Said That Mr. Ericsson Of Colgate ... PRO
Contributed by Joel Santos on Sep 23, 2004
It was said that Mr. Ericsson of Colgate Palmolive Philippines, Inc. gave 90% of his income intead of 10% to God. He challenged the Lord by his ...read more
-
True Biblical Worship So Satisfies Our Total ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Aug 10, 2003
True biblical worship so satisfies our total personality that we don’t have to shop around for man-made substitutes. William Temple made this clear in his masterful definition of worship: For worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Marks Of A Successful Church
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014
What is the REAL evidence of a successful church.
-
The Spirit Of The Mixed Multitude
Contributed by Babatunmishe Oke on Apr 24, 2013
Dealing with thoae who try to sabotage the church and the children of God
-
A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose
Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.
-
Evaluating Your Ministry Mindset Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Nov 9, 2014
A sermon examining the primary focus of our ministry.
-
Why The Church Series
Contributed by John Sears on Jun 12, 2014
In our culture where the influence of the church is diminishing, why should we BE the church? The answer is found in the identity of Jesus and the promises he makes about the Kingdom he is establishing (the church).