No Apologies- The Church

What is The Church

Romans 12:4-5

“Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.”

-Jesus is the head of The Church

-Believers are all parts of the body of Christ carrying out the mission of Christ

Matthew 28:19-20

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

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What The Church is not

-A building(where a community of believers meets)

-A name(Identifies a community of believers, but not The Church)

What The Church is called to do….

Acts 2: 42-47

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

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-Devoted- to learning the Word and applying it to their lives

-Held all things in common- their goals and desires were the same because of the devotion they had.

-They were selling their possessions and belongings…. Nothing was off limits, because nothing held more importance in their hearts than Gods instruction

-Day by Day meeting TOGETHER and breaking bread in their homes…. Coming to church MATTERS and having community MATTERS

-They were Generous and Grateful, this leads to favor and draws people to Jesus…

1. I can’t be The Church because of what I have done… No Excuses

2. I won’t be The Church because of what they have done… No Excuses

3. I won’t be The Church because of what The Church has done to me… No Excuses

How am I supposed to live by “No Excuses”?

Acts 7:54-56

“When they heard these things, they were enraged and gnashed their teeth at him. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! ””

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We fix our eyes on Jesus

Acts 7:59-60

“While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! ” He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them! ” And after saying this, he fell asleep.”

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When we fix our eyes on Jesus.. Love Conquers All Excuses

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1 Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

CAN I TRUST THE STORY OF THE BIBLE?

James 5:16b – … The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

1. *TEACH THEM TO *FEAR YOU.

Proverbs 9:10 – 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

2. *SURROUND THEM WITH DIVINE *FAVOR

Psalms 90:17 – 17Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands establish the work of our hands!

3. BRING *GODLY *INFLUENCES & FRIENDS INTO THEIR LIVES.

1 Corinthians 15:33 – 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.

Proverbs 13:20 – 20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

4. HELP THEM TO *TRUST *YOU WITH THEIR LIVES AND *BE *SAVED!

Philippians 2:12-13 – 12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.