Seeing 'U' in the Church

Vision 2020  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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You are vital to the Church

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The Church is Alive and Well!

Vision 2020

the Church is Alive and Well!

I have to admit that when the subject of the Church comes up, I often dread the research. The initial level of research comes up with all the things that the Church is NOT. YouTube is filled with preachers telling why the church is failing. Church leadership specialists will provide a quick 10 reasons why the Church is struggling. It is just depressing – when you are looking at the 1st level of information.
However, if you’ll look beyond the surface, you’ll find that the Church is actually alive and well! For example, do you know the 2 countries where the Church is growing most rapidly? Iran and Afghanistan.
In 1979, there were an estimated 500 Christians from a Muslim background in Iran. Today, there are hundreds of thousands—some say more than 1 million. – ChurchLeaders.com
In Afghanistan there are no public church buildings. The government says that there are no Christians in the country. However, according to Danny Clark (our missionary to Turkey), Afghanistan is the second fastest growing underground church due to the investment that missionaries have made into Afghani’s.
The growth of Christianity - Video

Jesus Christ

It is when we realize that the DNA of the Church is the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is the Messiah: King, Prophet, and Priest. He is the way, the life, the truth, the door, the bread of life, the light, the good shepherd, the resurrection, and the vine. People and churches who fail to recognize the DNA of the church lose the understanding of the power of the Church.

The Church is God’s Plan

There are 2 important realizations that can be taken from the conversation that Jesus has with Peter in the 8th chapter of Mark. The first is that the Church is built on the Person of Jesus Christ; and, secondly, that the Church will not be overcome.
Matthew 16:18 NIV
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Jesus Christ is the designer and the builder. You may remember the shock that Jesus caused when He told the Jews that their precious Temple would come down but that He would rebuild the Temple in 3 days. This was unbelievable to the Jews. Jesus was speaking of His resurrection but also of His leadership of the church – a body of followers who are dedicated to Jesus.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV
9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Ephesians 2:21–22 NIV
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Jesus Christ is the designer and the builder. You may remember the shock that Jesus caused when He told the Jews that their precious Temple would come down but that He would rebuild the Temple in 3 days. This was unbelievable to the Jews. Jesus was speaking of His resurrection but also of His leadership of the church – a body of followers who are dedicated to Jesus.
Ephesians 4:11–13 NIV
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
After several months of living off of MRE’s, not knowing where I would get supplies, communications, generator support, or A/C, General Dayton showed up at one of our staff meetings. General Dayton had come in to lead the Iraq Survey Group. He was taking our unit into his command. At the meeting our commander talked about how we could continue to live in our current conditions. Gen. Dayton interrupted him and said, “LTC, I’m sure that your men are good soldiers and patriots, but it is time for them to have A/C, trailers, hot meals, and bunks instead of the ground or cots.” Gen. Dayton became my immediate hero.
(NIV) — 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
(NIV) — 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
After several months of living off of MRE’s, not knowing where I would get supplies, communications, generator support, or A/C, General Dayton showed up at one of our staff meetings. General Dayton had come in to lead the Iraq Survey Group. He was taking our unit into his command. At the meeting our commander talked about how we could continue to live in our current conditions. Gen. Dayton interrupted him and said, “LTC, I’m sure that your men are good soldiers and patriots, but it is time for them to have A/C, trailers, hot meals, and bunks instead of the ground or cots.” Gen. Dayton became my immediate hero.
The Church has a hero at the Top and his name is Jesus Christ. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Seeing ‘U’ in Church

I have to be honest, before preparing this sermon every time that I heard the statement, “The Church is not a building, it is you” it would irritate me. Now it is not because I think there is anything sacred about a building, a program, a denomination, or church governance; but I could hear the many people I have met that claim that they don’t need to go to a church. I felt like the saying encouraged people to stay away from church.
What I’m about to share with you has helped me resolve this issue. This is what I have found in the Bible about “Seeing ‘U’ in Church”.

U are the Church

You and I share in God’s purposes for the church. You are a part of a body. Paul explains this to the church of Corinth using the illustration of the body:
1 Corinthians 12:12–14 NIV
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
Paul goes on to explain that each part of the body has a unique function. The body works because of this diversity of design and purpose. Each of us are interdependent but all governed by the head – Jesus Christ.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
1 Corinthians 12:27–31 NIV
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Corinthians 12:27-
Paul goes on to explain that each part of the body has a unique function. The body works because of this diversity of design and purpose. Each of us are interdependent but all governed by the head – Jesus Christ.
Put very simply, here at Grace Chapel we have expressed this idea as “Connect to God and Others”.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. [1]
Connect to God and Others
Put very simply, here at Grace Chapel we have expressed this idea as “Connect to God and Others”. The pastor, Royal Ranger commander, and youth leader cannot do this for you. YOU, as the Church, need to use your gifts and uniqueness in the body.
The pastor, Royal Ranger commander, and youth leader cannot do this for you. YOU, as the Church, need to use your gifts and uniqueness in the body.

U are designed to praise God

1 Peter 2:9 NIV
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Hebrews 13:15 NIV
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Praise is both vertical and horizontal. In vertical praise we recognize the goodness of God and we tell Him in our words, songs, and actions. In horizontal praise we encourage one another to recognize the goodness of God. There is a power dynamic released when we come together with one purpose – to praise and worship God.
(NIV) — 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
(NIV) — 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Praise is both vertical and horizontal. In vertical praise we recognize the goodness of God and we tell Him in our words, songs, and actions. In horizontal praise we encourage one another to recognize the goodness of God. There is a power dynamic released when we come together with one purpose – to praise and worship God.
At Grace we express this as - “A Lifestyle of Worship”.
A Lifestyle of Worship
Worship is not supposed to be an appointment once a week, but a lifestyle of response to an amazing King. The English word “worship” comes from the Old English word “worthship.” The word describes actions and attitudes that highly favor and honor the worthiness of God and express awe and adoration toward him. True worship is God-centered, not human-centered. It focuses on God’s character traits. Christian worship involves Jesus’ followers responding with holy love and reverence to God’s character and presence by expressing gratitude for who he is and what he has done for us. Sincere, or true and heartfelt, worship requires a faith commitment and a confession that God is the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth. It means knowing and confessing that God is the only Lord—the Leader and highest authority—in our lives. We were created to honor and worship God – Fire Bible

U are intended to Grow

Philippians 1:6 NIV
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Phili
I believe that there are a number of ways that Jesus wants us to grow. Among them are understandings that we are:
(NIV) — 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
I believe that there are a number of ways that Jesus wants us to grow. Among them are understandings that we are:
1. A priesthood of believers –
1 Peter 2:5 NIV
5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
2. You Reflect God’s glory
(NIV) — 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:29–30 NIV
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
2. You Reflect God’s glory
Romans 8:29–30 NIV
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
2 Thessalonians 2:14 NIV
14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Complete in Christ
(NIV) — 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
(NIV) — 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:10 NIV
10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
3. Complete in Christ
4. Moving from immaturity to maturity
(NIV) and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Ephesians 4:12–13 NIV
12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
4. Moving from immaturity to maturity
As you came into the sanctuary today, you walked past 5 graphics that express our purpose. This idea that U are intended to grow is represented as “A Place to Grow”.
(NIV) — 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
A Place to Grow
As you came into the sanctuary today, you walked past 5 graphics that express our purpose. This idea that U are intended to grow is represented as “A Place to Grow”. Our definition of a church is Christian people, demonstrating life under Lordship.
Our definition of a church is Christian people, demonstrating life under Lordship.

U are a Missionary to your Community

Matthew 5:13–16 NIV
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
It has been awhile since I read Bill Hybels book, Just Walk Across the Room. His book is filled with practical suggestions about how to share the Gospel with others. One of the points that he makes is:
(NIV) — 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
It has been awhile since I read Bill Hybels book, Just Walk Across the Room. His book is filled with practical suggestions about how to share the Gospel with others. One of the points that he makes is:
“A church which bottlenecks its specialists to do its witnessing is living in violation of both [Jesus Christ] and the consistent pattern of the early Christians. Evangelism was the task of the whole church, not just the ‘name characters’ ”― Bill Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith
Another point that he makes is that the further the typical Christian gets from the date of his salvation, the fewer encounters he has where he takes the opportunity to share the Gospel or invite someone to the church where they may be offered the opportunity to receive Christ. We must be missional!
His Message, Our Mission – Go!
Do you have an “elevator” testimony that is ready to go in the moment? Can you give a clear presentation of the Gospel? The problem that the Church has in evangelism may be more pervasive than we think.
Although I think everyone of us should be able to share the Gospel with others, another way to show the love of Christ is to do good to all.
Galatians 6:10 NIV
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
James 1:27 NIV
27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
1 Peter 2:12 NIV
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
It is in this spirit that our church reminds us that “Saved People Serve Others”.
(NIV) — 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
(NIV) — 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Saved People Serve Others
(NIV) — 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
It is in this spirit that our church reminds us that “Saved People Serve Others”.

‘U’ are Definitely the Church

I don’t believe that any of us need convincing that the points that I just mentioned are true. I do hope that it helps us to see the Church more clearly – to get a 2020 Vision of the Church.
As we close I want to show you the final destiny of the Church so that if you ever get discouraged or attacked from those outside the Church, you’ll have a shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit.
Paul’s description of the Rapture
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 NIV
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
John’s vision of the church in glory.
(NIV) — 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Revelation 7:9–10 NIV
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
John’s vision of the church in glory.
Revelation 21:2 NIV
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
(NIV) — 9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
I didn’t know any hymns before marrying Cindy. I learned a number of them under her parents ministry. They have a way of sticking to ya. I began to sing the chorus of 1 while working on this message. It was written in 1892. The title is A Glorious Church
(NIV) — 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I didn’t know any hymns before marrying Cindy. I learned a number of them under her parents ministry. They have a way of sticking to ya. I began to sing the chorus of 1 while working on this message. It was written in 1892. The title is A Glorious Church
Do you hear them coming, brother?— Thronging up the steeps of light, Clad in glorious shining garments, Blood-washed garments, pure and white!
Do you hear them coming, brother?— Thronging up the steeps of light, Clad in glorious shining garments, Blood-washed garments, pure and white!
Refrain: ’Tis a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, Washed in the blood of the Lamb; ’Tis a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, Washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Do you hear the stirring anthems, Filling all the earth and sky? ’Tis a grand, victorious army; Lift its banner up on high!
Never fear the clouds of sorrow, Never fear the storms of sin: We shall triumph on the morrow— Even now our joys begin.
Wave the banner, shout His praises, For our victory is nigh! Following our conqu’ring Savior, We shall reign with Him on high!
[1] The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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