Untitled Sermon (21)

Bride of Christ Class – Number 6

From Gang to Gospel (Read Chapter 4 of Chan’s book)

Best Ways for people to Come to Know God?

Our LoveOur Unity

Let’s say we figured it out and we started acting on it,

What would it mean for someone to be a member here at Oakdale

Intro:

You will usually get one of three responses when you ask someone if they would like to place membership:

You will usually get one of three responses when you ask someone if they would like to place membership:I would love to, what do I need to do?I don’t need to place membership.I thought I already was.The word “membership” can get a bad rap, and rightfully so if it is used in the wrong context.Too often we use the word “membership” to mean being part of a club or organization.Joining a gymBook clubHome Owners AssociationIn each of these cases, you are asked to pay dues, don’t break the rules, etc.This is not the kind of membership Paul has in mind ()Paul speaks of “member-ship” – One body, made up of many parts (members) working together with Jesus as the Head of the body.Church membership is not about paying dues (although tithing is necessary), it’s not about keeping up appearances, or making sure we don’t break rules (although holiness is important).Church membership is about realizing we are all connected and all a part of Christ.If one part suffers, we all suffers.If one part rejoices, we all rejoice.If one part is in need, we are all in need.Think about how pain in one part of the body can effect the whole mood or attitude of the rest of the body.Cold sore on lip can ruin your day.Ingrown toe-nail can effect the way you walk, mood, etc.It’s all connected!

I would love to, what do I need to do?

I don’t need to place membership.

I don’t need to place membership.I thought I already was.The word “membership” can get a bad rap, and rightfully so if it is used in the wrong context.Too often we use the word “membership” to mean being part of a club or organization.Joining a gymBook clubHome Owners AssociationIn each of these cases, you are asked to pay dues, don’t break the rules, etc.This is not the kind of membership Paul has in mind ()Paul speaks of “member-ship” – One body, made up of many parts (members) working together with Jesus as the Head of the body.Church membership is not about paying dues (although tithing is necessary), it’s not about keeping up appearances, or making sure we don’t break rules (although holiness is important).Church membership is about realizing we are all connected and all a part of Christ.If one part suffers, we all suffers.If one part rejoices, we all rejoice.If one part is in need, we are all in need.Think about how pain in one part of the body can effect the whole mood or attitude of the rest of the body.Cold sore on lip can ruin your day.Ingrown toe-nail can effect the way you walk, mood, etc.It’s all connected!

I thought I already was.

The word “membership” can get a bad rap, and rightfully so if it is used in the wrong context.Too often we use the word “membership” to mean being part of a club or organization.

Joining a gymBook clubHome Owners AssociationIn each of these cases, you are asked to pay dues, don’t break the rules, etc.This is not the kind of membership Paul has in mind ()Paul speaks of “member-ship” – One body, made up of many parts (members) working together with Jesus as the Head of the body.Church membership is not about paying dues (although tithing is necessary), it’s not about keeping up appearances, or making sure we don’t break rules (although holiness is important).Church membership is about realizing we are all connected and all a part of Christ.If one part suffers, we all suffers.If one part rejoices, we all rejoice.If one part is in need, we are all in need.Think about how pain in one part of the body can effect the whole mood or attitude of the rest of the body.Cold sore on lip can ruin your day.Ingrown toe-nail can effect the way you walk, mood, etc.It’s all connected!

Must change our views of “membership”.“Hey Peter, where do you go to church?”The fact that we have reduced the sacred mystery of church to a one hour worship service we attend is staggering (Pg. 70).

Let’s Go to Gang

Elder at Francis Chan’s church grew up in a gang, was incarcerated.He says there wasn’t anything casual about breaking ties.Why? Gang members believe you’re a member for life.If we’re honest, church and gangs have a lot in common.Deep sense of family in gangs.Can you imagine gang life being related to 1 hour a week?We wouldn’t’ say to one another, “Yo, how was gang?” or “Sorry I had to miss gang this week, life just got crazy busy.”BUT, we do it every week! “How was church?”

WHAT GOD DESIGNED TO FUNCTION AS FAMILY, WE HAVE REDUCED TO A MEETING. (AN OPTIONAL WEEKLY MEETING AT THAT.)

Any gang member will tell you that their brothers and sisters have their back.Loyalty, commitment, presentMeanwhile, some church members have about as much connectivity as strangers in a movie theater.

Love one another – Life Together – is more than a tag line or cliché.

Churches (youth groups) are to be known for their loveName some churches in town and what they are known for (keep positive)…Example: Life Church – if you add up all campuses, they are the 5th largest church in the nation. Memorial Rd. – large youth group

I’m guessing that no one mentioned a church that was known for its love for others and character of Christ.

We should be known for loving others as Christ has loved us.We should be known for our service, washing others’ feet the way Christ has washed our feet.Radical forgiveness, grace, and loving accountability.We should be known for our hospitality.Is the Oakdale youth group known for its love, service, grace, and hospitality?

– “As I have loved you, so you are to love one another.”

Take a minute to ask, “How has Jesus loved you?”Some possible answers:SacrificiallySelflesslyHumblyCompletely

If we love one another, God will ABIDE in us.His love will be perfected in us.

Our oneness was designed to be the way to prove that Jesus was/is the Messiah (Pg. 77). is an example of this!Church unity (oneness – togetherness) is contagious

Bride of Christ Class – Number 6

From Gang to Gospel (Read Chapter 4 of Chan’s book)

Best Ways for people to Come to Know God?

Our LoveOur Unity

Let’s say we figured it out and we started acting on it,

What would it mean for someone to be a member here at Oakdale

Intro:

You will usually get one of three responses when you ask someone if they would like to place membership:I would love to, what do I need to do?I don’t need to place membership.I thought I already was.The word “membership” can get a bad rap, and rightfully so if it is used in the wrong context.Too often we use the word “membership” to mean being part of a club or organization.Joining a gymBook clubHome Owners AssociationIn each of these cases, you are asked to pay dues, don’t break the rules, etc.This is not the kind of membership Paul has in mind ()Paul speaks of “member-ship” – One body, made up of many parts (members) working together with Jesus as the Head of the body.Church membership is not about paying dues (although tithing is necessary), it’s not about keeping up appearances, or making sure we don’t break rules (although holiness is important).Church membership is about realizing we are all connected and all a part of Christ.If one part suffers, we all suffers.If one part rejoices, we all rejoice.If one part is in need, we are all in need.Think about how pain in one part of the body can effect the whole mood or attitude of the rest of the body.Cold sore on lip can ruin your day.Ingrown toe-nail can effect the way you walk, mood, etc.It’s all connected!

Must change our views of “membership”.“Hey Peter, where do you go to church?”The fact that we have reduced the sacred mystery of church to a one hour worship service we attend is staggering (Pg. 70).

Let’s Go to Gang

Elder at Francis Chan’s church grew up in a gang, was incarcerated.He says there wasn’t anything casual about breaking ties.Why? Gang members believe you’re a member for life.If we’re honest, church and gangs have a lot in common.Deep sense of family in gangs.Can you imagine gang life being related to 1 hour a week?We wouldn’t’ say to one another, “Yo, how was gang?” or “Sorry I had to miss gang this week, life just got crazy busy.”BUT, we do it every week! “How was church?”

WHAT GOD DESIGNED TO FUNCTION AS FAMILY, WE HAVE REDUCED TO A MEETING. (AN OPTIONAL WEEKLY MEETING AT THAT.)

Any gang member will tell you that their brothers and sisters have their back.Loyalty, commitment, presentMeanwhile, some church members have about as much connectivity as strangers in a movie theater.

Love one another – Life Together – is more than a tag line or cliché.

Churches (youth groups) are to be known for their loveName some churches in town and what they are known for (keep positive)…Example: Life Church – if you add up all campuses, they are the 5th largest church in the nation. Memorial Rd. – large youth group

I’m guessing that no one mentioned a church that was known for its love for others and character of Christ.

We should be known for loving others as Christ has loved us.We should be known for our service, washing others’ feet the way Christ has washed our feet.Radical forgiveness, grace, and loving accountability.We should be known for our hospitality.Is the Oakdale youth group known for its love, service, grace, and hospitality?

– “As I have loved you, so you are to love one another.”

Take a minute to ask, “How has Jesus loved you?”Some possible answers:SacrificiallySelflesslyHumblyCompletely

If we love one another, God will ABIDE in us.His love will be perfected in us.

Our oneness was designed to be the way to prove that Jesus was/is the Messiah (Pg. 77). is an example of this!Church unity (oneness – togetherness) is contagious