Sermon Central
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Faith, Part 4 Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 24, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: Part 4 of 6 in a series on exploring "Faith". This message focuses on understanding that in our faith we must come together at the church for one purpose -- to continue the Earthly ministry of Jesus Christ by introducing others to the Father.
The Purpose of the Church (Faith Series, Part 4)
Various Scriptures
- Always been varying opinions about the functions of the church
- This morning, we are going to look at its four highest priorities
- As we seek to grow in faith, we must continue to grow towards God
- When things continue to grow closer to Him, they grow closer together
- This morning, let’s examine the purpose of the church in our faith
- We are going to use lots of scripture this morning
- So let’s just pray and dive in
- Pray
Point 1 – To proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and make disciples of all people
- The Great Commission is the foundation for everything we do
-- Matt 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age”
- APP: If we are not making disciples, we are not doing what God calls us to do and we are not growing in our faith
- It is the ground-floor jop after salvation … to bring others to Him
Point 2 – To serve as a community of worship and fellowship; to manifest the presence and love of Jesus
- Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
- We were created to enjoy his fellowship and worship … only!
- In eternity now is total and complete worship; as it always has been
-- Rev. 4:11 says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
- APP: The church’s purpose is to bring people together under Him
-- We gather for the purpose of expressing love to Him and each other
-- We gather to bring our hearts into one accord to worship Christ
Point 3 – To mature believers and prepare them to perform works of ministry
- Eph 4:11-12, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”
- The church should be an atmosphere of spiritual edification
- It is where God's Word is taught; solidly and without excuses
- It is where believers are grounded, discipled and led toward maturity
- APP: This not only serves to anchor our faith in Christ … but prepares you and I for one thing … service!
- According to God's plan, each member of the body of Christ is called to serve in some aspect of ministry:
-- Romans 12:6, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”
- APP: This means we all have a job to do to bring people to Jesus
- Along the same lines as maturing, we are encouraged to join together for worship and encouragement
-- Heb 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”
- It is in this gathering that we come to worship the One on the cross
- We do not come to find weaknesses in the brethren
Point 4 – To represent the interests of the Kingdom of God in the world, and to influence our society with the ideals of the Lord
- Matt 5:13-14, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”
- Jesus used salt and light as metaphors of the influential characteristics of His church in the world – it is how he broke it down to followers
- Salt was a valuable commodity used, among other things, as an antiseptic to withdraw infection.
- Light, of course, dispels darkness and is an essential element of life.
- Titus 3:14, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”
- Christ has intended for His church to let its light shine to the world
