Adult Class Seps to Revitalization

Review:

“Revitalization begins not with an event but a change in attitude in the congregation.”

Church Revitalization must begin first in your own heart and then in others in your church.

Philippians 2:12-13 (Work of the Spirit / Responsibility of the believer)

The primary motivation of revitalization must be love for the Lord.

Begin with a basic yet important question:

What is the church?

Two words in the Old Testament foreshadow the reality of the church completed in the New Testament.

Exodus 12:1-3 (NIV - community / congregation)

Exodus 16:9 (NIV - community /congregation)

1 Kings 8:54-55 (NIV -assembly)

Psalm 89:5-7 (NIV assembly / holy ones - saints/ heavenly beings)

Assembly / Community / Congregation:

A reference to an appointed, time, place, or meeting before God

The word church in the New Testament:

Matthew 16:18 (I will build my church…)

Matthew 18:17 (Concept of a local church membership)

Acts 9:31 (Characteristics: fear of the Lord, growing, persecuted)

Revelation 1:19-20

Seven stars - angels / messengers

Seven lampstands - seven churches

Church (Ekklesia)

Called out from the world

Conclusion:

Old Testament foreshadowed the New Testament people of God

1 Peter 2:9-10

(Description & Purpose)

Images / Metaphors of the Church:

1 Peter 2:4-5 (spiritual house)

John 10:14-16 (sheep, flock, sheep pen)

1 Corinthians 12:12-20 (analogy to human body)

Galatians 6:9-10 (household of faith, communion of the saints)

Ephesians 5:25-27 (Church is the Bride of Christ)

Apostles’ Creed

Article 9: “I believe in…the holy catholic Church, the communion of the saints”

Application:

How should these verses impact the believer’s understanding and commitment to the church?