Why Church?
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Handout
When we talk about the word church, how many of you have a picture that comes to mind? (show pics)
I grew up in the Anglican Church, and for me the early pictures of church consisted of high vaulted ceilings, organs, choirs and standing, sitting, kneeling...
For me Church was the place you went to, were quiet and left…for many of you, you may have similar pictures...
It amazes me how much of a stereotype there is around the church in mainstream culture...
I cant tell you the number of conversations I have with people when they walk in to this building for the first time...and there responses are...this is a church? YES...you have a band? YES...Tables and Chairs? YES...
There minds are SO bent on this stereotype that they are at a loss when they see this...
What is Church?
A community of people who follow the teachings of a man sent from God to explain God and to clear the path to God.
Andy Stanley
Temple Model
SACRED Place | SACRED Text | SACRED Men | SINCER People
Jesus Instituted a NEW Movement
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Matthew for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16–28 Peter’s Declaration of Jesus’ Messiahship (Matthew 16:13–20)
Jesus isn’t going to build an actual city, or an actual Temple. He is going to build a community, consisting of all those who give allegiance to him as God’s anointed king. And this movement, this community, starts then and there, at Caesarea Philippi, with Peter’s declaration
Church = EKKLESIA - Gathering, Assembly, Congregation
Matthew for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16–28 Peter’s Declaration of Jesus’ Messiahship (Matthew 16:13–20)
Peter, with this declaration of faith, will be the starting point of this community
Church is NOT a Place, Church is the PEOPLE
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Thirteen: The King’s Surprise (Matthew 16)
Each believer in this church is a “living stone” (
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Why Do We Gather?
Because Jesus INSTRUCTS Us To
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Because We Find MEANINGFUL Community
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Because We Experience LIFE Change
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
CONCLUSION
The church is not a dry and dormant building that gets used once a week on a Sunday to appease the religious appetite...the church is the gathering of the Family of God that provides meaningful community and life change...
Friends we need to be a body that continually pursues the application that Jesus gave us
Love God | Love One Another | Love Our Enemies
If this church (church as we understand it, the people) were to disappear tomorrow, would the community know that something is missing?
OUTLINE
What is Church?
A community of people who follow the teachings of a man sent from God to explain God and to clear the path to God.
Andy Stanley
Temple Model
SACRED Place | SACRED Text | SACRED Men | SINCER People
Jesus Instituted a NEW Movement
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Church = EKKLESIA - Gathering, Assembly, Congregation
Church is NOT a Place, Church is the PEOPLE
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
Why Do We Gather?
Because Jesus INSTRUCTS Us To
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Because We Find MEANINGFUL Community
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Because We Experience LIFE Change
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Discussion Questions
What is Church?
A community of people who follow the teachings of a man sent from God to explain God and to clear the path to God.
Andy Stanley
What are the common stereotypes people have about church ?
Jesus Instituted a NEW Movement
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Church is NOT a Place, Church is the PEOPLE
In what ways can we embody the idea that 'Church is not a place, but the people' in our daily lives?
How do we encourage one another to fulfill the instructions Jesus gives about gathering together?
What does it mean to 'honor each other' in the context of a church community?
