Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into some powerful scripture from Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, and Mark 12:30-31, and we're going to be talking all about the Church - God's divine plan for humanity, the purpose of the Church in making disciples, and the profound truth that Jesus is the head of the Church, and we are the Body of Christ.

Our focus today will be on how the Church is not just a building or an institution, but a living, breathing organism designed by God to bring about His kingdom on earth. In the words of respected Christian author, C.S. Lewis, "The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose."

I. The Church: God's Plan for Humanity

The Church, as we understand it today, is not just a physical structure or an organization, but it is God's divine plan for humanity. It is a living, breathing organism, a spiritual body, with Jesus Christ as its head. This concept, while simple on the surface, is profound and multi-layered, revealing the depth of God's love and wisdom.

A. The Church is God's chosen instrument to bring about His kingdom on earth. When we look at the book of Acts, we see the early Church, filled with the Holy Spirit, spreading the gospel message far and wide. This was not a random occurrence, but a fulfillment of God's plan, as He used ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things. The Church was, and still is, God's strategy to reach the lost, heal the broken, and bring hope to the hopeless. It was through the Church that God chose to make known His manifold wisdom, as stated in Ephesians 3:10.

B. Moreover, the Church is God's plan for communal worship and fellowship. In the early Church, believers met together regularly, breaking bread, praying, and encouraging one another. This was not just a social gathering, but a divine blueprint for spiritual growth and unity. The Church provides a space for believers to come together, to learn from one another, to bear each other's burdens, and to spur one another on towards love and good deeds. It is within the context of the Church that we grow in our understanding of God and His word, and it is through our interactions with fellow believers that we are shaped and refined.

C. Furthermore, the Church is God's plan for discipleship. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations. This was not just a command for those initial disciples, but a mandate for the Church. The Church is the vehicle through which discipleship occurs, as believers are taught to obey all that Jesus has commanded. It is within the Church that believers are equipped for the work of ministry, as stated in Ephesians 4:12.

D. The Church is also God's plan for displaying His love to the world. As believers, we are called to love God and love our neighbors, as stated in Mark 12:30-31. This is not just an individual command, but a corporate one. The Church is to be a beacon of God's love, shining brightly in a dark world. It is through the Church that God's love is made tangible, as we care for the poor, welcome the stranger, and stand up for justice.

II. The Purpose of the Church: Making Disciples

The purpose of the Church, as we understand it from the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, is to make disciples ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO