Jan. 9- Rise of the ‘Nones’: Stemming the Tide
“What Is the Church Meant to Look Like?”
Too often the church reflects the culture:
- CEO, titles, power, money
- for the comfort of the members,
- paying bills/keeping lights on/titles, structure
- special interests…power plays…democracy, favors for those who are big supporters
SO WHAT IS THE CHURCH MEANT TO LOOK LIKE?
1. The church is a
-
* Matthew 12:46-50
The church is defined
.
The church
begins to take on a new
in one’s life.
* Galatians 5:6-7
This
is drawn together (“
”) and empowered by the
.
1 Peter 2:17, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Titus 2:3-4
The church is meant to be
, ministering to and with one another.
A family
and
for each other. In
the
are responsible for the younger. The
learn respect toward the older and grow in
as they observe the older putting love into action.
A healthy relational context must be cultivated that will allow
to be built so deeper
about life and faith can take place.
2. The church is a
-
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
All Christians are
of this body whether young believers or older believers.
Romans 12:4-6
We all “
” to one another.
We are given gifts, not for
, but for others.
A “fully employed” church family means
has a gift, and
has a place to serve.
* Ephesians 4:11-13, 15-16
The goal of every “body” is to be
.
The goal is for
of us together to grow in maturity in Christ.
3. The church is the
-
- 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:21-22
The temple is
with the
of God’s Spirit.
The temple is meant to be a place (a people) of
and
…of healing and forgiveness…of holiness and righteousness.
Unity- John 17:20-23
