The Church
Matthew 16:15-18
Digging Deeper
KEY QUOTES
"The church isn't a religious invention by humans that has a mission, but the divine intention of God birthed out of and for His mission."
"To become a new creation and part of Christ's church, you have to confess! Your CONFESSION—that Jesus is the Anointed/Chosen One, Jesus is the Anointed Lord, Jesus is the Anointed Savior, Jesus is the Anointed King of your life—is the ADMISSION."
"The church can't lose because it is in Jesus' power, in Jesus' victory."
In looking at being a part of the local church, we, as believers, are blessed to be included in the body of Christ. Romans 12:5 states, "So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Ephesians 2:19-22 further teaches that we are members of the household of God for community and fellowship, "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."
The local church provides the opportunity for believers to:
Connect more deeply with God and others, growing in spiritual maturity.
Form a sense of trusting community, deep friendships and meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime.
Edify one another through the development and use of Spiritual Gifts.
Make a difference in the lives of others through service and sacrifice.
Have fun and be a part of events and gatherings of believers.
Learn from God's word.
Proclaim the Gospel to neighbors and nations.
What does being a part of the local church mean? It is the relationship between an individual and a local church, which is visible and public. It is the commitment to being united with Christ, being united with the local church and being united with other members of the body. As a part of the local church, we have blessings and opportunities to be witnesses to the world as we love God and serve Him and others.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Main point:
The church isn't a religious invention by humans that has a mission, but the divine intention of God birthed out of and for His mission.
The first time we come across the word "CHURCH" in the New Testament, the word comes out of the mouth of Jesus. (Matthew 16:15-18)
Five Truths about the Church
1) The Church is conceived by the revealed confession.
Your CONFESSION is your ADMISSION.
It is by grace we have been saved, and it wasn't because of ourselves; it was the gift of GOD!
2) The Church is constructed by the cosmic King.
Christ builds the church on the lives of those who've confessed Christ.
3) The Church is comprised of those who are called out.
The called-out ones form the assembly, the congregation, the people of God, representing the kingdom of God.
4) The Church is commissioned to go into the depths of hell.
Commissioned as Witnesses—testifying to the truth and giving credibility to the truth.
5) The Church is a conquering force that cannot be stopped by hell.
The church is unstoppable and founded upon the confession that Christ is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
Those who go into the depths and pit of a hellish world showing and sharing the glorious good news of King Jesus, that's the church Northland desires to be and is committed to be!
Five descriptions about the church in the New Testament:
Bride of Christ (Relationship to Christ-Revelation 21:9; Ephesians 5:25-27)
Body of Christ (Function, or roles and responsibilities within the assembly-Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Colossians 1:24)
Family (Household) of God (Relationship to one another-Galatians 6:10; Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19)
Temple of God (Function within the world—mediating - Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:5)
Citizens of the Kingdom (Perspective of/Position in the world-Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:9-10))
In light of a biblical understanding and meaning of church, we can conclude the following:
The church isn't a destination but a body of people headed towards a final Destination.
Being part of the Church in general and a local church specifically isn't an option, but a requirement for Christians.
The Church has been birthed by God's mission for God's mission.
In the next four weeks, we will discover what churches do to participate in God's mission!
LIFE APPLICATION
This week, pray about your commitment to your local church. Develop one or two ways to be more committed to and active at Northland Church. Ideas to increase church commitment include attending worship weekly, getting baptized, regularly giving financially, serving on a volunteer team or joining a LIFE2 Group.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What group do you enjoy being a part of, and why do you enjoy being a part of this group?
How does being committed to the local church make a positive difference in the life of a believer?
Why do you think believers do not want to commit to being a member of the local church?
How does being in the local church make a believer a better witness of Jesus Christ?
What would be an excellent answer to a believer who says they do not need to be a local church member?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Church is Commitment-1 Kings 8:61; Luke 9:62; Proverbs 16:3
Day 2: Church is Edification-Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Day 3: Church is Accountability-2 Timothy 2:15; James 5:16; Ephesians 5:19-22
Day 4: Church is Growing Spiritually-Acts 2:42; Philippians 3:12-14; Colossians 1:9-10
Day 5: Church is Proclaiming the Gospel-Matthew 4:19; Matthew 29:19-20; 1 Peter 3:15; Romans 10:14-15
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for Northland Church. I am blessed to be a part of the vibrant ministry that is taking place at Northland. As a believer in Jesus, I commit to being a vital and committed part of my local church, Northland Church. Let me generously give of my time, talents and resources so that You can be glorified and that neighbors and nations will come to know and glorify King Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
