2017 Church Intensive Introduction

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of building a church that reflects the biblical model, characterized by love for God and love for one another. We see in Scripture a group of people who were known for their devotion to Christ and their commitment to each other, resulting in a community that amazed the world with its love. This is not just a theoretical ideal, but a tangible reality that can be achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Scripture References

• 1 John 4:7-12 - In this passage, we see the fundamental principle of loving God and loving others as the hallmark of true Christianity. The apostle John emphasizes that love is not just a feeling, but a choice to put the needs of others before our own.
• Acts 2:42-47 - This text describes the early church in Jerusalem, where believers came together with one heart and mind, sharing their possessions and lives. They were marked by love for one another, and as a result, God added to their number daily.
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 - Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts emphasizes that every believer has been given a unique manifestation of the Holy Spirit to build up the body. This is not just about individual ministry, but about contributing to the overall health and growth of the church.
• Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus' Great Commission gives us our marching orders as believers: to make disciples and multiply the church. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share our faith and build up others in their walk with Christ.
• 1 Peter 2:21, 3:13-17 - In these passages, we see the importance of sacrifice and suffering as a mark of true discipleship. Jesus Himself modeled this by laying down His life for us, and we are called to follow in His footsteps.
• Revelation 2:1-7 - This letter from Jesus to the church at Ephesus reminds us that the goal of church ministry is not just about numbers or success, but about being faithful to Christ and reflecting His character. We are called to be a community that is marked by love, humility, and sacrifice.
• Philippians 1:6 - Paul's confidence in the Philippians' spiritual growth reminds us that God is always at work in us, even when we don't see immediate results. We can trust Him to complete what He has started in us.

Key Takeaways

• We must strive to build a church that reflects the biblical model of love for God and love for one another. This is not just a theoretical ideal, but a tangible reality that can be achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Every believer has been given a unique manifestation of the Holy Spirit to build up the body. We must recognize and develop our spiritual gifts to contribute to the overall health and growth of the church.
• The Great Commission gives us our marching orders as believers: to make disciples and multiply the church. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share our faith and build up others in their walk with Christ.
• Sacrifice and suffering are marks of true discipleship. We must be willing to lay down our lives for one another, just as Jesus laid down His life for us.

This Week's Challenge

Two specific, actionable steps believers can take this week:

• Identify your spiritual gift and begin developing it in a way that contributes to the growth of the church. This might involve serving on a committee, leading a small group, or mentoring someone in their walk with Christ.
• Pray for an opportunity to share your faith with someone this week. Ask God to give you courage and wisdom as you seek to make disciples and multiply the church.

Reflection Questions

• What is one area of my life where I am struggling to love others? How can I apply the principles from 1 John 4:7-12 to this situation?
• How can our church community better reflect the biblical model of love for God and love for one another? What steps can we take to build a more loving and supportive environment?
• What is one way you can apply the principle of sacrifice and suffering in your life this week? How can you lay down your life for someone else, just as Jesus laid it down for us?