Why You Need The Church And Why The Church Needs You Series

10/17/2009

B.A.S.I.C Part four

Why you need the Church and why the church needs you

Introduction-

We continue to look at some of the basic things of being a Christian.

We looked at the deity of Christ, Being Born Again, Pursuing Holiness.

This morning we look at the church.

Truth be told, some have no clue what the function of the church is.

They have no idea how they can fit in the church, or weather they want too.

To some unbelievers:

The church is a business and the only thing they think matters is how many people so they can get more money coming in.

To others, it is a charity that is in the community that gives free things away.

They take advantage of the ministries, call it “Their church”, but have never sat in a worship service or know anything about the church.

The Bible has a lot to say:

About the church

To the church

What should happen inside and outside the church.

Apostle Paul before he experienced Jesus Christ as Lord Savior, persecuted the church (The way), tried to destroy the church.

We have people today that know nothing about the church, Jesus is not Lord of their lives, who have set out to destroy and bring down the church.

The church universal is made up of numerous denominations with different worship styles, different doctrinal policies, but, “The church” has come under fire, some of it warranted, and some because they just hate Jesus Christ and the things of God.

To some the church is important:

A place you come every Sunday except when yo are sick or on vacation. You faithfully support the church with sacrificial giving of time and money.

To others:

The church is not a priority , you make it when it is convenient, you occasionally put money in the offering, but it is not sacrificial and no time is invested.

Some have an attitude of “What can the church do for me” “What can it offer me”

Because if not, there are plenty of other churches out there.

Others say “God what would you have me to do”? “What can I do for the church”? Because if I don’t do it, it may not get done.

What does God say about the church?

Why have some dedicated their whole life and some keep it at arm’s length?

We are going to look at several selected scriptures this morning, and I encourage you to write them down.

The church is a God thing God designed it God thought of it and God will take care of the church. God will protect the sanctity of the church. God will use a church if it is following after the things of God.

Matthew 16:18

On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome

On what rock?

The truth that Peter said about Christ, “You are the Son of the living God”

The rock of the church is Jesus Christ, and the gates of hell shall not overcome Amen

The church started in the upper room with believers praying and awaiting the power of God to fall on them.

They joined together in prayer

They gathered in one place.

They were in one mind and one heart.

It is no wonder the Bible tells us in Acts 2:47 The Lord added to their numbers daily those that were being saved.

When the church is doing what is right, the church will grow.

Let me give you some church terms and some meanings.

Christian is a Christ follower. (It has been added to many things that are not Christian)

When you come to Christ, you become a disciple (follower, learner of the way) of Christ, as you are disciples, you should in time become a discipler (one who teaches others the things of God).

The church should be a training and learning center for people at all kinds of different levels of growth.

The church is made up of ordinary men/women, imperfect, who desire to make Jesus Lord of their lives.

What we can expect from the Church: 6 Things

1. A place to Worship- Our relationship with God is private and public.

Of course people can worship God privately, but worship usually suggest something we do in public.

The English word is related to worth, we declare God’s worth to us as we worship.

1 Peter 2:9- We are called to declare God’s praises”

Eph. 5:19- Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

2. Spiritual Disciplines

Disciplines may sound like a punishment.

Disciplines help us to be disciples.

They help us to learn.

Prayer, studying of God’s Word, fasting, church attendance are disciplines.

They help us to develop spiritual habits that help you in your walk with God.