Opening - Video Clip: The church matters (bluefishtv)
Remind the church of the $12 commitment: A spiritual mile marker moment
How are you doing with the $12?
Have you doubled it? Done nothing with it? Buried it in the ground? Or found a way to multiply it for the Kingdom of Heaven?
New spiritual mile marker for the month of June – “The Church 12” – 12 reasons we need The Church.”
The Church 12 – 4 part series
"The Church who needs it?"
Opening Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:19-25:
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Thesis: The Bible clearly supports and expects Christians to be a part of the church. Church is a community of believers who come together on the Lords Day to worship God and to support each other. Scripture does not show Paul, Silas or Peter going into a city just to make believers and then after conversion sending them home to be lone ranger believers instead these new believers - the disciples of Jesus started churches. They united together to worship, to fellowship, to serve the Lord together, to help each other and to spread the Message of Jesus.
Introduction:
A while back I was talking with a disgruntled Christian and they hit me with this question:
“The church who needs it?” The statement was a question with a whole lot of attitude making a bold statement about the Church. They were talking about Jesus’ Church – not my church – or your church but His Church. The question was filled with hurt and very pointed they were justifying why they no longer needed to be a part of The Church.
This encounter had me go into prayer and meditate about the meaning and the importance of The Church. So I researched the Bible to remind me of why The Church is here and what she is designed for.
I hear a lot of comments from some Christians who have chosen not to be a part of The Church today. I heard some of the following excuses this last weekend at a wedding I attended in Minnesota: I work Sunday and listen to preachers for my church, I have given up church for the benefit of my family - I need to provide financially for them so I work Sunday's. I got hurt at a church and will never go back! The church is not relevant to me. The church is filled with hypocrite’s. Wow! I thought so many excuses - I wonder what Jesus would say to these comments about the Bride He died for?
As I sat back and observed this wedding I saw no mention of God – no mention of a Covenant relationship with Him at all between the bride and groom. I heard how their marriage needed to be rooted in love – I thought you cannot have love without God because God is love. I also wondered how a person could walk away from one of God’s great creations The Church. It is as beautiful to God as the mountains and the oceans are to Him. It is His pride and joy! He chose to die for it!
I know this perception of church is one usually expressed out of frustration, anger, bitterness or even hurt at once being involved in a church. Some come up with these excuses because they need to justify to themselves why they have rejected Jesus Church.
I stopped a few years ago to encourage someone who had left the church . This was the response I received from that person for asking her why she gave up on church. “God is everywhere! I don’t need to go to church! Church is people helping others and most churches fail to do that!” She said. I agreed with all that this person said. But I also reminded her that Jesus established the universal church and the local church. Just go read the New Testament and you will see that God’s desire is for people to be involved in the local church because the local churches make up the universal church. Just read the book of Revelation the first few chapters stress the roles of the local churches. It also reveals their divine mission.
This individual replied, “I was in church last week helping my neighbor work on her bathroom!” I responded, “It’s great to help others out that is very important part of church life but the first four commandments talk about our relationship with God.” So I asked, “How did you worship God on Sunday? Did you raise your hands and sing songs to Him in the bathroom as you were putting tile on the wall? Is just helping someone out by serving them worshipping God? Is this all I need to do? Am I not instructed in the Bible to have prayer time with God and with others? Am I not encouraged to sing worship songs to God with others? Hebrew’s tells us to worship together with others and is this not what God wants?
I challenged her on some of her comments and things got real quiet and awkward. Then I asked her how the kid’s where. This was her response, “They are into their drugs and party life. They have dropped out of school. But they will be fine learning things the hard way. She adds. “They are in trouble with the law and owe over $500 dollars in fines but so what.” She uses a few choice words to tell me how she can’t wait to get rid of them. Interesting I thought?
Then I asked her how she was doing. This person looks at me with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth with a tinge of anger seeping out at my questions and says, “I am right where God wants me!” I thought to myself “I don’t think so!” Then I challenged her once again on the importance of having a relationship with God and His Church. We did a little small talk and I left her home that day shaking my head. I drove down the road and as I was driving I prayed that God would reveal to her how deceived she is in her thinking.
Then I prayed for her and her family. I talked to God in the car and thought here is a person telling everyone she is “Born Again” and “Serving God”. She is telling everyone she is where God wants her and she says she does not need the church! How sad! A few thoughts raced through my mind – this is not God’s plan for her and her children. This family disintegrated over the years, she lost her house, her children became drug dealers and went to prison. I have lost contact with her and have no idea where she is at today. While they were part of New Life up North, they were thriving spiritually, the kids were actively involved in kids ministry and youth group. But she became offended at something in the church – I still don’t know what – she became unforgiving and bitter and threw God’s Church away and in so doing threw her children away to drugs and bondage.
She is like some Christians today who have a distorted view of the church and a distorted view of God. This deception has affected her life, her kid’s lives and it’s affecting the divine mission of the Body of Christ. Because she tells everyone she is a “Born Again Christian”. But in reality her testimony-her life-her actions did not align with God’s Word as it defines a disciple of Christ in the New Testament.
T.S. - Let’s look at two scenarios about the importance of actions, or lack of action and how we impact a person searching for the truth at church. Let’s explore what the church should look like to people who are seeking a new church or looking for a genuine spiritual experience in their life.
Scenario 1 “The visitor”
John and Amanda and their kids Jonah and Michele decided to go check out this church they had heard about on the corner. Recently they were feeling a nudge to get their children plugged into a church and could help teach their kids the Bible. Amanda called the church and a pleasant person answered the phone. Amanda asked what time their services where and the nice pleasant person answered her questions and even expressed a warmness in her voice about them coming. Amanda asked if the church was cross cultural since their family was and the person responded, “Yes we are!” So the next day they were off to visit a new place which is always little bit scary but Amanda recalled how nice the person was who she had talked to about the service times. They found the church parking lot entrance easily because of the good signage and quickly found a visitor parking space just for them. They smiled at the sign which said "Welcome" with a smiley face on it under visitor parking. They approached the front of the church and a nice distinguished man and woman opened the door for them and welcomed them. They asked their names, where they lived and how long they had been in the community. John asked a few brief questions about the nursery, and kid’s ministry. The friendly man gave them a quick tour of the building showing them where everything was and took them right to the nursery. They were so blessed by the friendly man’s willingness to help and his willingness to introduce the nursery worker for the day to Johnny. The sweet nursery worker made Johnny feel excited about the nursery and gave mom an assurance that her child was in loving hands. Mom and dad felt a bit easier and thought these people here do care about us and our children.
They then proceeded to the sanctuary where they met the Children’s Pastor a person who is bubbly and lovable. She shares her heart and vision for Kid’s church briefly and invites Michele back for Kid’s church right after praise and worship. Michele seems a little shy but tells her mom and dad how she likes Mrs. Bubbles. They proceed to find a seat. An usher assists them in finding a seat. shortly after being seated another person comes up gives them a bulletin and map of the church and he too also welcomes them. They received a very professional looking bulletin with valuable information. They were surprised to see the pictures of the pastors and their contact information on the bulletin. They looked around and could identify who the pastors were. They really liked what they read and experienced so far. It no longer seemed scary but comfortable. They sat in a nice padded chairs and thought “These chairs are comfortable not like the hard pews we sat in last week at another church they visited!” They still shutter at their experience from the week before. They sat there looking through the bulletin and were very impressed with the preliminary music being played in the background. The temperature of the sanctuary was just right. They noticed that building was clean, neat and up to date. The décor of the building is contemporary and decorated with a warm friendly atmosphere. The stage is neat and professional looking. A couple next to them greets them and welcomes to the church. They like the friendly peaceful atmosphere.
They notice all the people talking and visiting with one another and they think it’s like one big family. But they themselves feel a warm welcome from everyone around them. The nice friendly man comes back and gives them a visitor’s packet and a connection card and tells them if they turn it in at the end of service there is a free gift waiting for them at the information booth. This packet once again welcomes them and asks if they have any prayer needs. They also receive an overview of the various ministries in the church.
The preliminary music stops and the band starts and goes through one song which is very upbeat and then a pastor open’s in prayer and greets everyone. They then greet each other and he highlights a few announcements. The announcements have accompanying pictures of the information on the big screens. They then take an offering after hearing a brief overview of a ministry of the church helping others. There amazed at some of the areas people are helping others out in the community from the highlights, they think, “I would love to do something like that someday!” He then turns it over to the praise team and the worship pastor and they are marvelous. They play with excellence. Not only are they doing great musically but they feel that they are drawn closer to God through the time of praise and worship. They see how excited and passionate the worship team is in worshipping God.They actually feel the presence of something in the air. They also like that they are not required to stand through the whole service or required to raise their hands but take in the moment. They noticed that this was one of a few services they been too where the pastor encourages the church to take a few moments to pray. Some people even go forward to be prayed for by the prayer teams. The kids go out to the nursery and to kid’s church. The two settle back excited that they can focus on the message while their kids receive messages at their level. It’s very meditative and reflective time for both of them and they feel the Lord tugging at their hearts.
They sing a few more songs and notice that the sound system is great. Their ears are not blown away. The pastor gets up to speak. They can hear every word he speaks clearly. He is thought provoking a little funny. The pastor is dressed nice but not over dressed. He is energetic welcoming and he makes them feel relaxed. They are surprised at how multi-media is used with his sermon. The video clip grabbed their attention. He draws them into the message and once again they feel God tugging at their hearts. He challenges them from the Bible. He makes the Bible relevant to them. They enjoy how he helps make the Bibles message personal to them. He gives them insight into how to apply what they learned today to their life. He is not long winded but finishes with their full attention. He closes with a challenge and a prayer for those touched by the message. He then dismisses them leaving them wanting more.
They go to get their kids after service and others greet them and welcome them along the way. They meet one of the leaders of the church who then invites them out for coffee that week. The leader then takes them to the pastor and introduces them. The pastor inquires about them personally and they talk for a little bit. The pastor encourages them to read through the visitor brochure. He smiles lets them know that if they have any questions to give him a call. He also invites them to have dinner with them when it is convenient. They are also invited to another room where they can have coffee and desert with some of the other leadership if they would like.
The kids are brought to mom and dad bragging about how they had fun. They also recap the kid’s message to mom and dad. The kid’s are beaming and mom and dad are thinking while these people seem to care about us.
They leave the church with a smile and feel they have been touched by the love of Christ through this group of people. They are impressed with the servant attitude and helpful spirit of the church. They leave sensing they actually had an experience with the Spirit of God.
On the following Monday they get and e-mail from the pastor thanking them for visiting. Then a few days later they receive a letter thanking them for visiting along with a gift card and a request to fill out a little survey asking what they thought about their experience on the church website. They talk to each other and say “Wow!” this church cares what we think. They value our perspective. They appreciate our input!” They fill out the survey online and love the user friendly and contemporary website. They spend a little time scanning through the valuable information about the church on the website. They really appreciate how the people of this church want to be a part of their families spiritual journey. They agree to go back the next week to learn more and see if this is where they want to settle.
T.S. - Let’s explore another scenario of what the church should not look like! This scenario is what happen to our family the week before.
Scenario 2 “The Visitor”
John and Amanda are looking for a church because they feel the need to plug their kids into a church. They know their kids need to have an experience that is spiritual. They find one on the internet and they call for some information. A gruffy voice answers the phone and says, “Hello this is the one true church of Chicago!” Amanda asks about their service times. The gruffy voice tells them the times and mumbles something about their church being the only true church in town. Amanda a little bewildered thinks the man must be having a bad day. She then asks are you multicultural church? There is silence for a moment then the voice says, “No, but we don’t mind if they come!” She Thanks him and hangs up. Thinking that was an odd answer.
The next Sunday off to church they go. They have a hard time finding the entrance to the church because it’s not marked well. They find the church entrance but they have to walk a little ways because there are no easy parking places. They come to the front door and no one is there to greet them they walk in and there are people talking to each other but no one acknowledges them. They wander around the church looking for the kid’s church area but have no luck and so they give up their search. They look for a nursery and it’s empty with one old crib in it and they notice the nursery is filthy with food all over the floor and dirty. They look at each other and think there is no way they will leave their precious Jonah in this mess. They wander around bumping into people with no one acknowledging them or even smiling at them. They over hear one person complaining about the new color of paint in the hallway. They hear some not so nice comments about leadership as they walk bye two people having an intense conversation. They over hear another couple talking about how leadership is mismanaging the churches money.
They eventually find the sanctuary and have a seat. A older man tells them they have to move because that seat belongs to a long time member of the church. They discover on the floor a bulletin and pick it up to read it. It’s like a book. Right then a bunch of screaming kids come running through the sanctuary yelling. They run out another door after knocking over some chairs. The mom wonders wether she should follow them to find the kids church area but decides that her daughter would be safer with them.
The people in the sanctuary are talking and everyone ignores the kids. They also feel that they are being ignored as well. Finally one man approaches them and says, “Who are you!” and before they can answer he says, “Have you been washed in the blood? Have you been redeemed by Lamb?" They are taken back but answer that they don’t think so. Then the man points his finger at them and says, “Repent!” and he walks away muttering , “We have sinners in the church Satan be gone!” They think he is very strange and weird. They feel like they are in the twilight zone. They hold their kids closely by their sides and start looking for an exit. About that time two ladies sit down behind them smile at them and then start talking about the worship leader and how they don’t like him. He is too loud and never plays the songs like they like them. Then they start running down some of the other singers commenting on their clothes, their hair, their shoes and their dress. The couple decides to get up and leave but just then a man in a suit comes to the platform. His tie is to short and the microphone squeals like an injured cat. He hits the microphone and says, “Welcome everyone! “We are here to serve God right?” no one responds then he yells it a second time and everyone say’s “Right!”. A few people come forward and start playing music. They are off key and out of sync as the man from the worship team leads them in singing. Everyone sings along and the noise goes on for 45 minutes. They sit when the man says, “sit” and kneel when he says, “kneel” and stand when he says, “stand”. Amanda thinks are these people puppets? They are really looking for a way to make a break for it. During the singing the older ladies continue to pick a part the singers, and even the pastor. About this time Jonah is getting bored and anxious and keeps making noise. Mom calms him down and then out of no where comes a woman who looks her in the eye and says, "We have a nursery for noisy kids!" Then she walks away in a huff.
They eventually sit down from singing glad to get a break and a young girl gets up to do a special. The music starts in the wrong place. They start it over again. She sings the best she could and turns red and finally labors through the song. She concludes everyone claps and she walks by the couple saying "I will never do that again!”
Then another man in a suit to small for him also stands up in front and says it’s time to give all our money to God. John thinks maybe they will buy him a suit that fits. The man shares some Scripture about giving to God or being condemned to die. He then points his finger right at John and yells’ “Don’t rob God of His money!” John is taken back but thinks maybe he is pointing at someone else. They pass the offering plate around and the usher stares at everyone to see if they put in any money. If they do he nods his head if not he shakes his head in disgust.
After the offering the Pastor goes to the pulpit and starts yelling at everyone. He is saying, "You need to partake of His body and drink His blood to be saved. You need to be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. People you have to saved sanctified and justified to find Heaven." They soon discover he is preaching. John and Amanda are covering their children’s ears because they are looking really scared. Michele leans over to her mom and says why is he so mad. The man rants and reads and repeats himself numerous times. Jumping up and down. He continues to go off on other subjects talking about sin and judgment, and Hell and burning coals and torment. John and Amanda have no idea what he is trying to say. They start looking at their watches thinking when can we get out of here this place is creepy. The sermon goes on for 45 minutes and he finally ends his message of doom and gloom. But then he points his finger in their direction and says, “Repent sinners or you will burn in Hell!” he pauses and everyone turns and looks at them, “Come now he says and get washed in the blood sinners and be delivered!” John thinks to himself this is sick and like a horror movie this must be a cult of some kind. I don’t want to be washed in the blood of anything. They grab each other’s hands and the kids and run for the door, dodging people pointing their fingers at them. They sprint to the car and the kids are screaming save us. They speed away to safety! In the car they look at each other and say, “We have been delivered!”
Pause!
Wow, that is not how the church should treat people who are searching for spiritual truth. People who are looking to find God and insight from the Bible. We The Church have a responsibility to lead people to Jesus not away from Him.
The Church of Jesus is to be a biblically based spirit filled church and it is called to be a place where people encounter the Holy Spirit, engage with the Spirit of God, and experience the presence of the Lord. It's to be a place were people find freedom because were the Spirit of the Lord is their is freedom.
Mark Driscoll stated this about the importance of the church in a person’s life and how he discovered that truth:
Occasionally, I would drop in to church out of guilt, but always walked away feeling as if I’d just wasted an hour with an ex-girlfriend…Simultaneously. I continued reading the Bible and kept seeing that the New Testament was written by pastors of churches to churches about church life. And, I was convicted that there is no such thing as a personal isolated relationship with Jesus apart from His often ugly bride, the Church. Acknowledging my disinterest in the Church as little more than arrogant judging, I decided to seek out a church where I could obey the Scriptures commands to go to church (Hebrews 10:25), place myself under the authority of pastors (Hebrews 13:17), use my abilities to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12), partake of communion in a church (1 Corinthians 11:17-34), and give my tithe to a church (2 Corinthians 8-9). I was finally starting to realize Jesus died not just for me, but for His church, which I was a part of by His death and resurrection (Acts 20:28). I then had to decide where to go, which was a frightening prospect…” (The Relevant Church, page 23).
T.S. - “Who needs the church?” we all do Christians and unchristians! Today I want to lay down some core facts and basic theological truths about “The Church” from the Bible:
Action point: I encourage you to take notes on these important Biblical truths: I have provided and outline for you to guide you today- so if you want you can write down the 12 reasons why we need ‘The Church”:
These 12 reasons are from the Bible and are God's idea for The Church.
So here are The Church12 : “So why do we need the church?”
1. Because Jesus created the church and set up its divine mission not mankind:
a. Scripture texts:
i. Mark 16:15-18:
1. 15He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
ii. Matthew 28:18-20:
1. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
b. We are to be His witnesses – living examples of what He can do with a broken life.
i. We are to go share the “Good News” to the world so they can be saved through a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ.
ii. We are to tell the world about Jesus' sacrifice for them so that they can be restored to proper relationship with God.
c. Colossians 1:24: 24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
i. Jesus died for this church and the other churches in this area.
1. Do not forget this important –critical sacrifice:
a. We just celebrated communion to remember this important point of the church.
2. The church is to remember the sacrifice of Christ by celebrating communion.
a. Acts 2:42, 46: 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. .. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
b. Breaking of bread points in the direction of always remembering the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross for you and me.
c. Jesus gave His life for us so we could gain eternal life.
3. I Corinthians 11:17-32:
a. The Lord’s Supper
17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. 20When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! 23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
i. We need to continue to remember what Jesus has done for us on a regular basis.
ii. Share about the group of kids touched my heart one Sunday at Communion and the people in India.
ii. We are not the only church in this area – there are others that Jesus died for.
1. There are many churches in our area and we are not allowed to be there judge – that is Jesus job.
2. When you criticize Jesus Church you criticize Him – so be very cautious!
a. Many people want to run down the church – but listen to this thought:
i. Mark Driscoll stated, “I was twenty-five and certain that my church would be new, different, and essentially cool. I quickly learned that beginning a church was far more difficult than criticizing one” (Page 24).
1. It is always easier to criticize a church then to help build up the church!
2. We are not here to judge other churches but to do the follow God's plan for this church.
d. The church is to be a place that gives out the good news of Jesus! (Acts 2:1-37)
i. Acts shares with us how the first church received a message that was full of Good News, a message of hope and help. A message about Jesus!
1. It says in Acts 2: 36, 37 36“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
a. The church of Jesus Christ needs to be challenging people with the Word of God (His Message) and delivering it with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. When it is done this way people will say, “What shall we do?”
b. The message delivered with the anointing of the Holy Spirit has the power to set people free from the bondages of sin.
ii. It can happen just like in Acts. Yes, God’s Word has that much power to penetrate to people’s hearts.
2. Because to be a part of The Church of Jesus you have to repent of sin and accept Jesus as you Lord and Savior in a verbal and action orientated way.
a. Scripture texts:
i. Matthew 16:15-20: “Who do you say I am?”
16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
ii. The church is based on a common confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior – this is the only way into heaven according to Jesus.
1. Just like what Peter did in this passage of Scripture this is how God built His church and is building His Church.
2. Our confession of faith in Jesus should always lead us to The Church!
iii. This profession of trust and surrender to the Lord is the common denominator that defines The Church and its people.
1. If we do not acknowledgement Jesus as Lord and Savior – then there is no believer and no Church!
b. The church is to be a place where people believe and respond to the touch of God’s grace.
i. The church is a place where people feel the freedom to respond to the message of Jesus.
1. Acts 2:38-41 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
c. Yes people are to experience the Lord at church.
i. They need to come to a place and feel his loving embrace and grace.
ii. For this to happen the truth must be proclaimed and people must then choose to believe.
iii. There must be repentance for sin and people willing to ask for forgiveness from the Savior this is what opens the door for people to enter The Church of Jesus Christ.
iv. But the heart of the people and the heart of the local church must be in tune with the Spirit of the Lord!
3. Because Jesus is the head of the church – not men, women, denominations, committees, boards, elders or deacons.
a. Ephesians 5:21-27:
i. 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
1. Jesus is the head of the church and if He is not leading it then it is not The Church.
ii. If Jesus is the head of The Church then we need to be a part of His creation and serve it in spite of its messiness and ugliness at times.
1. But maybe this is why Jesus instructs us to be a part of The Church because he knows it faults and we have to learn to forgive and love like He did us.
2. We are told by jesus that if we do not forgive others then God will not forgive us.
3. See I Corinthians 13 - Which speaks of the importance of love - note this church was rebuked by Paul for being divided and he tells them how to unite - love.
4. Because the church has people called to it by God (you may be one of them) who steward and lead the church as directed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
a. Scripture Texts:
i. Acts 20:28: 28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
ii. Romans 13:1: 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
iii. Ephesians 4:11-13: 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
1. God calls certain people to Shepherd the group of believers and works through leading and guiding them by the Holy Spirit.
2. There are those called by God –equipped by God to facilitate the operations of a church they pastors, prophets, teachers, evangelists, shepherds, elders and deacons.
a. See our church membership handbook for a biblical description of our church structure.
b. Please note all leaders in the church: Will be held to a higher level of accountability when they stand before the Judgment Seat of Jesus Christ.
c. The Bible is also clear how they should be treated:
i. 1 Timothy 1:17-20: 17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
5. Because the church is designed by Jesus to teach, correct and discipline through love the Body of Christ:
a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
i. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
b. The church is to be a place of teaching and learning - Acts 2:42:
i. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
1. Yes, church is the best place to get spiritual education about the Bible, and Christian living.
ii. It’s to be a place where we all learn more about Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Father God.
1. Small groups list:
a. This is why we have these types of classes!
i. It’s where we learn how to live.
ii. It’s where we learn information that will help us to live for eternity.
c. It’s where we learn how to renew the mind so that self dies.
i. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
d. The Bible is to be used to teach and to correct:
i. Matthew 18:15-19
ii. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
iii. 1 Corinthians 5, 6:
1. The Bible and those who follow are to use the truths discovered in it to correct, rebuke and train people up into what is truth, what is right living, what is godly behavior and what are genuine holy lives.
e. You may be thinking – does Scripture really teach accountability?
i. Yes, people are to be held accountable for their actions its biblical.
1. Even in the financial realm. The church did not just give money to any one that wanted it but to those who where a part of the family of God. The church is to give and teach people how to manage money Biblically.
ii. Cousins notes, “To whom are you accountable? If you think about it, you are accountable to many people. If you are a student, you are accountable to the teacher to complete your work. If you are a taxpayer, you are accountable to the government to pay your taxes. If you are driving a car, you are accountable to law enforcement agencies to obey traffic laws. If you rent an apartment, you are accountable to the landlord to pay the rent on time (And for not damaging his/her property). There are endless examples that could be produced, but they all illustrate the same point: like it or not, everyone has obligations to others that must be fulfilled. When it comes to accountability before other believers, many Christians become uncomfortable. Although they are willing to accept their fact that they must be held accountable before other people and institutions, they are reluctant to allow themselves to be responsible to and for other believers. They do not stop to think about how many struggles with sin could be overcome if they received the counsel and encouragement of other Christians” (47).
iii. People need to be held accountable for their actions because “It does affect others!”
f. But the over arching message of Jesus is grace!
i. Grace is there because none of us deserve what we have in Jesus. It’s all about forgiveness and restoration.
1. Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
2. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
6. Because The church is a place to pray and to worship to God together
a. The church is to be a place of prayer (Acts 2:42b)
i. The church is to be called a house of prayer
ii. We need to be praying for each other.
iii. We need to be praying with each other.
iv. We need to be praying to get closer to the Lord and to hear his voice more clear.
b. The church is to be a place where we praise God daily (Acts 2:46,47)
i. It’s not a weekly event but a daily act of genuine love for Him!
1. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
ii. Do you praise him and worship him daily -or just weekly?
7. Because The Church operates in the Spiritual Gifts of Holy Spirit for the sake of the Body of Christ.
a. Scripture Texts:
i. I Corinthians 12, 14
ii. Romans 12:1-21:
1. The gifts are bestowed – placed in individuals within the church for a purpose a divine reason:
a. The Body of Christ and their spiritual gifts are to edify the church and it’s people including leadership.
b. The gifts are to be in operation within the church to build up the church not tear it down.
c. The spiritual gifts of the members of the church are to be used to strengthen the church and make it more powerful in its impact on the world’s belief systems – this is done to see personal lives transformed and community transformation.
b. A church which is flowing in the spiritual gifts and being led by the Holy Spirit will transform the world with the message and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
i. I Corinthians 14:12 ‘Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”
1. Are you using your gifts to build up the church?
8. Because The Church is a place where people are being baptized and testifying to what the Lord has done in their lives (Acts 2:38, 41).
a. See the sequence in the word Repent and be Baptized
i. Acts 2:38,41:
1. 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
2. 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
b. This is what our Baptismal service is about - This is what church is about - it’s being obedient to fulfill the Great Commission of the Lord.
i. People will be overcoming by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and they will briefly tell what the Lord has done in their lives.
1. Revelation 12:11 “they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony.”
a. How they repented and received the gift of forgiveness.
b. How that act changed their lives and hearts.
ii. Baptism means – Is an outward witness of what Jesus has done in your heart and life. It is acknowledging to those observing your baptism what Jesus has done for you in your life.
1. See Romans 6
iii. The impact of Baptism – I find it amazing so how many people who watch a baptismal service are impacted by what they see and hear others say.
1. It changes the lives of the ones watching as much as the one who is being baptized.
9. Because The church is a family – a fellowship of God and His children
a. Scripture Texts:
i. Acts 2:41, 42: 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
b. Families are places where everyone knows your name. Do you recall the T.V. series Cheers. That was a place where everyone knew your name. It was their family.
i. Church is to be like this a place where everyone knows you name.
1. A place where they know you are not perfect but hey love you because you’re a blood relative (Jesus sacrifice makes us blood relatives if we have accepted him as our Lord and Savior!)
ii. It’s a family that loves you for who you are faults and all.
iii. It’s a family because it’s the place where we receive love, comfort and even redirection in life sometime.
iv. It’s a family because family is the place where we receive love and nurture.
v. It’s a place where we laugh and cry together and find out it’s going to be okay.
vi. It’s a safe place where we run to get away from the storms of life
c. The church is to break bread together and fellowship with one another it’s a daily thing not a weekly deal paralleling a family (Acts 2:42, 46).
i. The church is where we fellowship together and eat and talk and share about our day.
1. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
2. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
ii. It’s the place where we share our resources with one another – our food- our encouragement.
1. The church is where we find strength and support to press on in the Lord.
2. I Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
3. Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, all the more as you see the day approaching.”
4. The church is to be a place where the believers meet every day for the fellowship and the joy of being together (Acts 2: 46).
5. There is no place in the church for rugged self centered individuals and lone rangers. – it’s not New Testament Christianity!
d. The church is to be a large support group for the family of God where we come to be built up in him.
i. Remember it’s His plan – not man’s plan!
ii. The church is to be like Barnabas, “One who encourages one another!” (Acts 4:36-37)
1. 36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
2. We are to encourage one another!
10. Because The Church is the counter culture influence on this world –we are united by having the mind of Christ not the mind of the world (Acts 2:44).
a. Scripture Texts:
i. James 3:13-4:12;
1. Two Kinds of Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace–loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
b. Why did the New Testament church have everything in common because they died to their own self-centered ideas and allowed their mind to be renewed with the mind of Christ.
i. Acts 2:44:44All the believers were together and had everything in common.
1. They understood the eternal picture rather than the earthly picture.
2. They understood that not getting my way was biblical – It was about doing things His way!
c. It’s a place where selfishness has died and the unity of the body of Christ has emerged.
i. The Bible said ALL! It can happen here too!
11. Because The Church is a place that shares everything they have with each other (Acts 2:45; 4:32-37).
a. Scripture Texts:
i. Acts 2:45: Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
ii. Acts 4:32-37: All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
1. The disciples gave God their time
2. Their possessions
3. Their gifts
4. Their money
b. The church is to be a place that meets everyone’s needs not wants within the body (Acts 2:45; 4:32-37)!
i. Where widows and orphans are cared for!
1. Yes, we the church are to care for widows and orphans!
a. This is an area you can be involved in!
i. 1 Timothy 5
ii. James 1:25
c. The church is to not be a selfish place, a place that hoards money and finances but one that gives it away.
i. A place where needs are met every need!
d. To help meet others needs means we are committed to the cause of Christ and to being involved in His church at the local level.
i. People must come together in a local place to become the church that is what Jesus desires us to do!
12. Because The Church is a place where people are filled with awe at the many wonders and miraculous signs God does through his Holy Spirit and His disciples (Acts 2: 43; 4:33).
a. People will be in awe at changed lives.
i. Acts 2:43: Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
ii. Acts 4:33: With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all
1. Converted drug addicts, gang members, the like.
2. Converted people who forgive without revenge
3. Converted people who serve one another in love
4. Converted people who give everything they have to those in need.
b. They will be in awe as they see these types of miracles happening around them:
i. People who see God’s healing miracles.
ii. People who see God’s amazing financial provision.
iii. People who see God delivering people from different bondages.
iv. People who see God speak truth into a life and see it changed forever.
v. People who see others living in agape love-perfect love.
vi. People who see unity in the body.
vii. People who see a genuine love for God and others.
Conclusion:
We need to have a Biblical understanding that The Church is God's idea - not man's idea. The Church is for all who believe and have placed their life into Jesus hands. The Church is lead by Jesus not by people. So it is imperative that we in leadership follow the agenda of God and not our agenda. The Church is to be stewarded by God's people, by the ones He has called to a local church. All Christian are called by God to serve and build up the Church of Jesus Christ. Yes, the Bible says that God calls people and you may be one of them. The Church was established, it was birthed, it was created to teach truth to the people of this world. It's mission is to preach, teach and point people to Jesus. The Church was given the Holy Spirit to infuse it with power to win the lost and open the eyes of the blind. We are part of The Church and we are placed here for such a time of this to lead people to Jesus and a spiritual awakening.
