INTRO
Our sermon series is called Rediscover Church – why the body of Christ is essential. We are posing nine key questions about church. And as we consider the answers, I hope you take the next step in deepening your relationship with Christ and our church. Maybe you have been watching on-line and waiting to take the step of joining us in-person. Come on out and join us!
The questions come from the book Rediscover Church I have been reading by Collin Hansen and Johnathan Leeman. Our Growth Groups are joining the discussion each week through the rest of this series. If you would like to try a growth group, you will receive a FREE copy of the book. Please sign up for a Growth Group at the Welcome Center.
What is a Church?
The book’s definition of a church follows:
A church is a group of Christians who assemble as an earthly embassy of Christ’s heavenly kingdom to proclaim the good news and commands of Christ the king to affirm one another as his citizens through the ordinances and to display God’s own holiness and love through a unified and diverse people in all the world following the teaching and example of elders.
– Rediscover Church by Hansen & Leeman
What is Church For?
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
The Purpose of the Church
Turning outsiders into insiders. Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Salvation. And then teaching and modeling how to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Who in turn, proclaims the Gospel and helps teach other new disciples.
Matthew 5:14, 16
Galatians 6:10
So how do we love outsiders?
Our focus always needs to be on seeing lost people come to repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Showing people God’s love is wanting what is best for them. The need for salvation is every person’s greatest need. Loving them and showing we care is a great way to start that Gospel conversation and continuing it.
GOSPEL
Are you an insider or an outsider? I’m not talking about members or non-members. Have you accepted God’s loving gift of salvation? It starts with admitting your sin and trusting in Jesus as your Savior. The Bible tells us our sins separate us from a holy God. But God, who is rich in love and mercy sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world – to die in our place, paying for our sins, and then rise from the dead to show His power of death and the grave. Salvation restores the broken relationship between you and God that was caused by sin. The church is called to proclaim the Gospel, to see new believers baptized and taught how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Take Aways
Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior and become an insider?
Have you been baptized and joined the church to commit to Christ’s mission for His followers?
Are you regularly learning Jesus’ teaching and obeying His commands? That might be coming to a Sunday School class, a weekly Bible study or joining a growth group.
Are you building relationship of depth and endurance within the church?
Are you building relationships with people outside the church with the aim of sharing the Gospel?
Do you look for ways to show love and compassion to co-workers, neighbors and others outside the church?
