Sermon Central
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Church 12 Pt 2 Series
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 20, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: The Church is needed by us all and the Bible gives 12 reasons why we all need The Church. These 12 can be broken down into three focuses of God – Upward – Inward - Outward.
Open with video for Father’s Day:
Series: The Church
Sermon: The Church 12 pt 2
Tag line - 12 reasons why we all need The Church of Jesus Christ active in our lives.
Scripture Text:
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.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 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, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Introduction:
Two weeks ago I opened our series “The Church” asking the question or statement a person made to me a few years back, “Who needs the Church?” = It was said with attitude and 2 weeks ago I made the case that we all need The Church – my family needs “The Church” I need The Church. I can honestly say, “The Church has been more a family to me than my own family! So I am so glad to be a part of The Church, I really do love the Church. I would not be who I am today if it was not for The Church. My family would not be who they are today if it was not for The Church! Church is not just for me and my family it’s also for each of you and your families too. Do you believe that? The Church is here for the purpose of mission and you and I are part of the mission plan.
Here are some thoughts on The Church from a few 30 on down in age individuals from the book “The Relevant Church”:
Quotes:
Tyler Watts, “I think I disconnect from the Gospel of Jesus Christ when I’m not involved in close relationships with other believers.”
Philip Evans, “Every believer needs a ‘church’ even if it’s just four or five of you meeting together to worship, I know my relationship with Christ would deteriorate if I didn’t surround myself with people who encourage and challenge me in my faith.”
James Bullock, “I love the diversity of church-so many different people saved from a range of pain, addictions, lifestyles-now all set free in a community together.”
Andy Squyres, “When I hear the word ‘church,’ I think of the body of Christ in its fullness, without denominational or dogmatic boundaries, church in all its organic glory, shifting and growing, as all living things do.”
Cory Passehl, “Church is not just a building or Sunday morning service, but a place where the Body of Christ comes together for encouragement, edification, challenging, rebuking. It’s a place where people are cared for, a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and a place of worship.”
Jendi Reiter, “Church is the one place where I am accepted ‘as is.’ Church gives me an understanding of human frailty and reminds me that we all need God’s forgiveness-even me. Growing up as a reformed Jew, I was always pressed to achieve and compete. Then when I began attending a Christian Church in college, I discovered church could be a place of amazing refuge, acceptance, and salvation.”
Robin Lemke, “I know that people say they don’t need church, but anytime we gather together, God promises to be with us. What could be more enticing than God’s presence? Why wouldn’t we go where God promises to be?”
Emily R. Geyer, “I don’t go to church out of obligation, but because I desire to worship Jesus in a place that is set aside for him, a consecrated space. It’s very different than a Bible Study in my living room or just praying in my car.”
Thought:
The Bible clearly supports and expects Christians to be a part of the church. Church is a community of believers who come together 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.
