The Church Names Of Jesus Series

The Church Names Of Jesus

OKAY – first of all I would like to give a huge birthday shout out to… to….US!!!

YOU SEE – today is Pentecost Sunday! The birthday of the Church and of the Kingdom Jesus came to establish, nearly 2000 years ago.

NOW REMEMBER – Jesus said in Matthew 16

And 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. – Matthew 16:18

Note – ‘this rock’ = the fact that Jesus is the Christ (the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God).

AND – Jesus has built His church and here she stands alive and well… 2000 years later.

UNDERSTAND – for 40 days after His resurrection Jesus hung about with His guys/disciples with 2 primary goal in mind.

#1 – convince them that he really was alive, and

#2 – speak to them about the Kingdom.

AND THEN – on day 40 Jesus’ meets with them for the last time before ascending back home to the Father and He saying…

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 2:4,8

AND – so they waited… meeting in an upper room together, praying continually. And 10 days later we read the following…

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. – Acts 2:1-4

THEN PETER – preaching the very first Gospel sermon (telling them, convincing them, and calling on them…

• Telling them - that the Gospel is for all people

• Convincing them - that this Jesus whom they crucified, is not only alive but is the Christ (the Messiah),

• Calling on them – to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus FOR the forgiveness of their sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

– Acts 2:41

AND LISTEN – this 3000 member just born church, formed a and incredibly beautiful and powerful (r u kidding me) community…

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47

AND LISTEN… LISTEN – we who are in this room this morning, AND those who are watching online…

‘ARE’ – the offspring of that same incredible movement that began 2000 years ago!

Happy, Happy birthday to us!!!

AND SO – here’s the deal, since today is Pentecost Sunday…

I could think of no better way to continue in our series, ‘Name Above All Names’ and to celebrate our birthday than to

unpack several of ‘The Church Names Of Jesus.’

YOU SEE – there are many titles of Jesus that represent, that are connect to, that describe… the intimate relationship that Jesus has with His church.

UNDERSTAND – in Scripture there are several metaphors used to describe the church…

LIKE - the church is – a flock, a body, a bride, a vineyard, building…

AND LISTEN – Jesus is…

the Shepherd of the Flock, the Head of the body,

the Bridegroom of the bride, the Vine of the branches and

the Cornerstone of the building.

OKAY… SO – what I want us to do this morning, is take a look at each of these titles and see what God wants to teach us today… collectively (as a church) and, individually (as Jesus followers).

HOWEVER – before we dive into that conversation, I share with you a post that I felt compelled to post on FaceBook and Instagram early Friday morning…

Lord please bring your peace and justice to this divided nation, we need it so desperately right now.