Attracted to the Beauty of the Church

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What is More Attractive Sermon Series (First Sundays)
What is more attractive than God’s Family?
Ephesians 2:11–22 ESV
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Walls exist between people
The Divisions were Removed
We are one (through Him)
Main Points:

Walls exist between people (Gentile & Jew)

Romans 10:20 ESV
Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

2) The divisions were removed (By Jesus’ flesh, or death)

Ephesians 2:16 ESV
and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

3) We are one (Through him)

One Spirit
One Nation
One Building
A Dwelling Place for God
a) one Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:13
1 Corinthians 12:13 ESV
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
b) one nation Philippians 3:20–21
Philippians 3:20–21 ESV
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
c) one building 1 Peter 2:4–5
1 Peter 2:4–5 ESV
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
d) a dwelling place for God 2 Corinthians 6:16
2 Corinthians 6:16 ESV
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
We need to continue to build on our family in Christ. Thanks to Barry for organizing dinner groups. I encourage everyone to participate in these groups.
Plan to be at church every week, and especially the first Sunday. Let’s try to frame our thinking biblically. Our family in Christ is, in many ways, more real than our physical families. There is some crossover. Thankfully, many of us come from a family of believers. For others, becoming a believer made them an alien in their own family. We do not abandon our natural families, but we should understand our spiritual family to be a high priority, for this is the desire of our Lord, that we dwell in unity, and he is glorified when we reflect that in our church, because that is a witness to the world that Christ has come.

What is more Attractive than Corporate Worship?

Comparing religion to other activities
It is ok to have passions for things, but for the Christian, we should have no greater passion than we have for Christ, and worshiping him should be a priority.
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 ESV
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Romans 8:18–20 ESV
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
The time spent in the family of God has benefit both now and forever. That is why the early church had these priorities. Acts 2:42
Acts 2:42 ESV
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:47 ESV
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
It is ok to be part of multiple communities. You can be part of another group and still be part of the church. But what consumes you? Is it your passion for Jesus or something else?
We are unified by our faith in Jesus, and our community is superior to any other because it is HIS church. And in eternity, the only community that it will matter that you have been a part of is the family of God, those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
For many of you, I do not need to ask you to make the Sunday gathering a priority, because you already do so. For others, I urge you to consider scripture’s mandate to meet together regularly. We need each other and are needed by each other.

What is more attractive than serving together?

Outsourcing. (Paying others to do work)
Outsourcing is the business practice of contracting external parties to handle tasks or services that are typically performed in-house, to reduce costs, improve efficiency, or access specialized expertise.
Ephesians 4:11–12 ESV
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
The work (or deeds) of ministry or service. The ergon (erron), works or deeds, of (diakonia), ministry or service. We see then that there is an important work to do that God wants the saints to do, and we know that by saints he means all of the family of Christ. It isn’t something we outsource to the pastors or teachers, but it is actually in a sense the other way around. A clear reading of this text is that it is the saints, or if you want to use the word laypeople, that are to be equipped to do the work of ministry.
So God gave apostles & prophets. We don’t have direct access to these, but we have recorded in scripture what we need for this equipping. And he gave evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. These we do have in the church today, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. So it is important that we understand the church is not a country club, we should not simply pay our dues and expect to be served. Nor should we assume we can outsource our responsibilities as members of the body of Christ.
The saints (all who are saved) are to do the work (Ergos) of ministry (diakonia). The evangelists, shepherds and teachers are to equip those saints for that ministry. And what reason does Paul have in mind when he writes this?
Ephesians 4:11–16 ESV
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Let’s take these one at a time: First, that we all attain to the unity of the faith: In other words, to be unified in our understanding of our faith, which requires the work of studying God’s Word and learning, and to be unified in heart and spirit as we live out the faith together.
“and of the knowledge of the Son of God”. Again, this requires learning, and that learning comes from hearing God’s word, reading it for ourselves, discussing it, and through prayer.
“to mature manhood” We know from other scripture that by maturity Paul means that we are solid in our understanding of our faith and in living it out.
“To the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” So we are to be so filled with Christ, striving to be like him and as much as is in our abilities to measure up to the grace he has given us.
“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Ah, so here we see the danger. Now, remember, all of these things are the reason behind Paul’s encouragement that the saints be equipped for the work of ministry. Without becoming equipped, you will be storm tossed, falling for false doctrines, unable to tell what is right and wrong.
There have been competing ideologies against the ways of God for all of human history, but in today’s world, we are truly inundated with false ideas. The only way a Christian can remain confident in the ability to discern the truth is to be equipped, but God has provided for the Christian to be equipped by giving to the church apostles and prophets (who we can learn from through scripture) and evangelists, shepherds and teachers (Who help explain and apply the Word).
Just as one must coming willingly to the cross of Christ, those who desire to be equipped for the work of ministry must be willing to become equipped. Our desires determine what we know.
In the church, our service should be willing service. That means the works or deeds we do should be done with gladness and joy and also the spiritual work, the work of the ministry, be done so as well.
Thank you to all who serve in the church; deacons & deaconesses, D6 teachers, Bible Study leaders, youth leaders, those who do things seen and unseen to help the church. We are doing well in service, yet we must always keep examining to see how we can serve our Lord. Let’s commit to a renewed sense of service to our King, Jesus.

What is more attractive than sitting at the feet of Jesus?

Psalm 119:1–5 ESV
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Luke 10:38–42 ESV
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
How can we know Jesus better? By knowing the Word of God. And how can we discern what are the best things to give our attention to? By knowing the Word of God. How can we love Him better? By knowing the Word of God. And if we do this, we can rejoice with the Psalmist about the joy of keeping his righteous rules.

What is more attractive than the gospel?

Competing for attention in a world of busyness
When it comes to the gospel we try to help it
We try to sugarcoat it - “God loves you just the way you are”
We try to enhance it - make it more exciting
We try to market it - our human efforts overwhelm the gospel message that is hidden within
We try to disguise it - by minimizing our sin problem
We try to reprioritize it - we put the added benefits of serving Christ (healing, church family) over the main benefit, salvation.
The gospel is simple:
Creation
Corruption
Catastrophic
Confusion
Christ
Cross
Consummation
We don’t need to dress up the gospel with gimmicks. The gospel is compelling on its own. It doesn’t need our help, it doesn’t need our charisma, it doesn’t need us to enhance it with giveaways, we don’t need to have the best coffee of any church in town, nor the best sound system, nor the nicest building. Having those things is not necessarily bad, but we must not forget that it is us that need the gospel, not the other way around. We need the gospel, the gospel does not need us. And even though the gospel does not need us, God has given us the privilege of being partners with him in the gospel.
1 Corinthians 2:1–5 ESV
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
There are specific responses that I am hoping for, not because of an appeal I make, but because of the appeal God makes through the scriptures. The responses that I am hoping for in our congregation are:
That we would have a Biblical understanding of why the local church exists.
This is straightforward. I am not interested in teaching you Pastor Jason’s views on the church, or any other popular views on the church that may be out there, I want us to look to scripture to see what it says the church should be
That we would see increased regular attendance at weekly gatherings
I hesitated putting this in. I don't want to be the nag that people see on Monday in the grocery store and run around the corner to avoid the pastor who is going to lecture them about missing church. But scripture does commdand us to meet together. It is beneficial to us. Sometimes you being at church is necessary for you to be encouraged, and other times your presence may be an encouragement to others. Hopefully it is always a mix of both.
But I hope to see more people coming on Sundays regularly instead of sporadically, and I hope that more of you will commit to joining us for bible studies and D6 and other gatherings we may have. Perhaps you are being filled well and can pour out to others through volunteering, or perhaps you have already emptied yourself in volunteering and you need to be refilled. Either way, come when we gather to dine together, worship together, and study God’s word together. Young and old alike are necessary parts of this body.
That we would see more involvement in the ministries of the church
We have other opportunities as well, ministries that are more physical work, ministries like Men’s group, ministries we may not even have yet, but I hope to see more participation in the church ministries.
That we would have a new appreciation of the value of the church family
This is so important. If we value each other, then we will desire to be together, and those temptations that come that would keep us from being at church will be easier to strike down. If you love your church, you will not be easily swayed to put some other priority over a church meeting, you wont be as tempted to skip church because you heard the fish are biting, or anything else.
That we would have a renewed dedication to the gospel, in learning, in living it out and in spreading it out. (AKA REVIVAL)
All of these tie together. All of these are biblical expectations for us to have of one another.
These messages will be challenging to all of us, and may cause some discomfort. My prayer is that if some discomfort comes, it will not be as a result of anything I did, nor should anyone feel shamed into making some changes. Instead, may God speak to each of us individually and to us as a church body about how we ought to respond to what the Bible teaches us.
This coming 2 years is going to be very crucial in how the future of Oasis Church unfolds. You see, I have been here now over 3 years, and it is often in the 4-5 year of a pastor’s tenure that things can be the most difficult. There is a honeymoon period when a Pastor first comes, and at some point, people figure out the things they like or don’t like about their pastor. Some may be disappointed that their pastor doesn’t have all the same ministry priorities. Maybe he didn’t adhere to all the traditions of the local church. It is usually in the fourth year that the most difficulty comes for a pastor and the congregation. However, this does not need to be the case.
According to a survey from Fuller seminary (and this was in the 90s, these stats may have changed, but are probably close), the most impactful years of a pastor’s ministry in a church are from years 5-14. Unfortunately, the average length a pastor stays at a church is less than 5 years. In other words, many pastors, if they would just have stayed a little longer, may have seen more fruit, but many get discouraged in the first few years and leave. I don’t plan to do that.
Let’s commit to each other to renew our passion for the church. Let us ask the Lord to give us a love for the church that is fitting, since He loves the church.
We have much to be excited about: Hopefully we will be able to inform you soon about the project adjacent to the church property, and our negotiation for a roadway on the edge of our property. Meritage homes is in the planning stages of putting 200-300 townhomes next door to us to the North, and to our east, there is planning in the works for commercial development. Let’s pray that the Lord will bring us many new gospel opportunities through these developments.
I am pleased each week to see so many young children! This is a sign of future growth and health of the church. Let’s be an encouragement and help to our young families as they raise their children.
I hear many examples of Oasis folks reaching out to neighbors, coworkers, and others. Many of you are being bold in sharing your faith with others.
We have many ministries that we are priveleged to partner with: YFC, OCC, First Care, the Alliance missions, etc.
We have bible studies that are deep and challenging: Melissa, Men’s study by zoom, Warriors
We have a youth ministry that draws kids that are not from Oasis.
We have deacons and deaconesses who provide practical and comfort ministry to many.
We have a governing board that serves the church well in managing the required business of the church.
We have a beautiful partnership with L’Chaim congregation
We have a beautiful salvation from a beautiful Savior.
We have a reason for the hope we have.
We have a future.
Let’s look forward to another year as the church at Oasis.
This year we are going to focus on being the church. As we work on the relationships and discipleship within the church, that should naturally overflow to our ministry outside the church as well. Let’s do it together, with Christ our Head, and empowered by the Spirit.
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