The Church Functioning Biblically Series

The Church Functioning Biblically

Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:4-6

P.S. When every person begins to play their postion in the body, you will have a church functioning biblically.

INTRODUCTION:

ILLUSTARTION: When Everyone Plays Their Position- Chip Ingram

30years ago, the Miami Dolphins embarked on an unforgettable & unparalleled season. 14-0 regular season, then a 3-0 run through the playoffs culminating with a Super Bowl victory. No other team has matched that perfect record. Every year 30-some odd teams try, but for 3 decades, it stands alone. Sports enthusiasts all have their own opinion about who might be the “Greatest Team of All Time”, but one of the 1972 Dolphin team members put it best: “Perfection has a way of shutting peoples mouths.”

The opposing coach going into the’72 Super Bowl was asked 2 comment on stellar Miami defense. "I cant recall any of their names," he said, "but they are a matter of great concern to us." Who knows the nickname of the ’72 Dolphins Defense? The "No-Name Defense."

What made that team special was not the handful of superstars – it was the dedication of every team member. The willingness of every player to execute his position with excellence for a common purpose. Something special happens when everybody plays their position.

Did you hear that last statement? Say it aloud with me, Something special happens when everybody plays their position.

What would happen if the players on the field all of a sudden decided they did not want to play their positions? What would happen if the players felt they were not good enough?

You would have a recipe for disaster.

Well, the world of sports isn’t the only place where “Positional Confusion” can take place. It happens everywhere, and it happens in the church. The positions and roles in the Kingdom are more varied and more critical than any game any day, anywhere. The church is chock full of people who are uniquely gifted for the position that God has called them to play.

When every person begins to play their postion in the body, you will have a church functioning biblically.

Can you see in your mind's eye what it would look like, if everyone in the church was playing their position.?

Picture, how effective we could be if everyone offered their gifts to serve the Lord

Imagine what it would look like if everyone operated in their gifting?

Just think what it would look like if people worked in cooperation with one another and not competition against one another?

What you have is a picture of a church functioning biblically.

I think we all can describe a dysfunctional church. Someone wrote this little humorous story, entitled ‘You Know You’re in a bad church when…

10. The church bus has gun racks.

9. The church staff consists of Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor and Socio-pastor.

8. The Bible they use is the "Dr. Seuss Version."

7. There's an ATM in the lobby.

6. Choir wears leather robes.

5. Worship services are B.Y.O.S. -- "Bring Your Own Snake."

4. No cover charge, but communion is a two-drink minimum.

3. Karaoke Worship Time.

2. Ushers ask, "Smoking or Non-smoking?"

1. The only song the organist knows is "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida."

Well, some of us laugh. And more than a few probably feel little uncomfortable, because it’s all too true of many churches in Canada.

When I speak of a church functioning biblically, I am not talking about a perfect church. Most of us have been around long enough, to know that there are no perfect churches just like there are no perfect pastors. ( O did I say that)

The church of Acts was a great church. But it was far from a perfect church. It was however, an ever growing body. That is the key to functioning biblically. It is a church that continues to move forward, upward and outward, no matter what challenges it faces. That is the essecnse of a church functioning Biblically. It keeps moving in God.

Come with me and let’s observe together what a church looks like that is functioning biblically.

1. A church functioning Biblically will be Faithful not Perfect

Luke gives us a glimpse into the reality of everyday living in the early church. On this particualor OCCASION the disciples were increasing in number

Up to this point, the church has been growing at an exponential rate. The church is still very young but growing VERY FAST. Last count was 5,000 men whom theologians claim could have easily been 15 to 20,000 members including the women and children.

Satan would love to disrupt the CHURCH and this was his third attempt to silence it’s voice. You’ll recall how His first attempt was…..

a. Through persecution in Acts 4-5 which actually only accelerated the growth according to Acts 4:4: “But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.”