THEME OF SERMON: Through the establishment of the church, God cares for his people, declares his message to a lost world, and starts his work of re-creation.
MAIN POINT 1: The Church is established by God
The church was established by God.
1. What is the church?
- a. Church [Ekklesia] – Assembly/ Called out ones
- b. “A gospel community can be defined as a congregation of Christians, spiritually united in Christ and guided by his Spirit, who are living together as a witness to the surrounding society.” – Brian Devries
The Church is God’s chosen People
- 1 Peter 2:9-10
- Christians are to ground their identity and work in God’s redemptive work. (Isa. 43:21)
This helps us understand the Gospel better.
- The Gospel is a God-centered Gospel.
- The gospel brings us back to a right relationship with God.
- We have a right understanding of our beginning, present, and end.
MAIN POINT 2: The Church is ruled by Christ
Jesus is the Head.
- Ephesians 1:22-23
- Signifies authority, direction, and rule.
Jesus is the Cornerstone.
- Signifies design, truth, and scope.
- He defines what a church is, what a church isn’t.
- Since we are ruled by Christ, we should establish our practice and church around Jesus’ commands. (1 Timothy 3:15)
- A. Formally, through our practice and guidance.
- B. Informally, through our attitudes and focuses.
We are his body
- As God’s people, we now set all of our actions, desires, and thoughts to match Jesus. (Col 3:15-16)
MAIN POINT 3: The Church is empowered by the Spirit
The Spirit of God gives us entry to the church
- ‘By the Spirit’ - Act of re-creation.
The Spirit of God grows the Church
- Unifying us. (Ephesians 4:3)
- Giving gifts. (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 4:10)
God dwells with us through the Spirit
- In the Old Testament, God dwelt with his people through the tabernacle and the temple.
- In the New Testament, individual believers and the church are called God’s temple.
- A. “This is where God dwells. He is not tied to holy buildings but to holy people, to his own new society. To them he has pledged himself by solemn covenant. He lives in them, individually and as a community.” – John Stott
CONCLUSION:
Knowing this wonderful truth, how then should we walk?
“For at one time you were darkness, but now
you are light in the Lord. Walk as Children
of light.” – Ephesians 5:8
Since we have been called by God, we should live as
people who have received mercy.
- Grow in unity and maturity with each other.
- A. The saints of God are not so many loose stones, but they are parts of a building, and it is for each one of us to fill his place in the church for the good of others and the glory of the Lord, who dwells within his church as a king in his palace. Let us remember this and seek above all things to promote the unity, edification, and holiness of all our brethren in Christ. - Spurgeon
2. Proclaim the excellencies of Christ.
- A. Ephesians 2:17 – Carrying on Jesus’ mission of reconciliation.
