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.
Real faith leads to real obedience. Even when it is uncomfortable, even when you do not feel like it.
3. Discipleship
Go and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matt 28:19-20)
We must be learners or teachers of God’s word, and a lot of times it is at the same time.
Why is the call to make disciples the very heart of God?
Because Jesus practiced it.
He commanded us to do it. Jesus set out to “Seek and to save the lost” Luke 19:10
A disciple is a transformed person. All out effort. All the time. All the people.
William Law said:
Christianity is not a school for teaching moral virtue. The polishing of our manners. It is much deeper and more divine. It implies an entire change of life, a dedication of ourselves, our souls, our bodies unto God.
Bonhoeffer said:
Without discipleship, Christianity does not exist.
We must learn from each other.
“The things that you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men/women who will also be qualified to teach others.”
When your faith is weak, be encouraged from others
When your faith is strong, help others who need it.
4. Fellowship
We need each other. Sharing lives, sharing emotions, bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging each other, helping those in need.
5. Service
Apostle Paul tells us that service should be done within the church.
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Gal 6:10)
God had place us in the body of believers for “Common Good”
6. Evangelism
Go into all the world and preach the gospel
We have been lazy and kept our faith to ourselves.
We need a culture change within the church.
Radio, t.v. is good, but it is not enough.
Evangelism is people with people
Willing and eager to share their faith- do people even know that you are a Christian?
Do they know where you worship in case they are looking for a place to find God?
Are you making an impact?
How many have you lead to Christ?
What does the church/God expect from you?
You have made a commitment- members to become an active part of the body of Christ, to give financial support of your tithes and offerings.
Tithes which means a tenth, of your income, and offerings as God shows you some needs where you are able to help.
For those that are not members, once you find a church, God expects you to get plugged in, drifting and running is not good for your spiritual growth.
Make time for God and the things of God.
Go and preach the gospel applies to all of us, not just the pastor and not just the leadership of the church,
Highways and by-ways is neighbors, co- workers, family members,.
The church will grow with a good pastor, the church will explode when the people catch the vision of what God is wanting to do in the church.
Closing:
To the mature believers:
Prepare people for the works of ministry. He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry.
To all of us:
2 highest ideals of Christianity
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this, you
shall love your neighbor as yourself.
By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another
We are the Church People of God
You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
You are the light of the world. Christ intended the church to share it light to the world.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
