“What Is a Healthy Church Member?” Unity (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Nov. 3, 2013)

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?”
Unity (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/Nov. 3, 2013)
 
Ø  A
healthy church member has been truly converted by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ø  A
healthy church member is a growing disciple who makes other disciples.
Ø  A
healthy church member is a worshiper of God.
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member
strives for unity in the body.
 
1.  God despises
strife and contention.
 
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are
detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent
blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into
evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in
the community. (Prov. 6:16–19, NIV)
 
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
(Prov. 10:12, NIV)
 
2.  Jesus died to
redeem a unified church.
 
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been
brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made
the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of
hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and
regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the
two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God
through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and
preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For
through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you
are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people
and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Eph. 2:13–20,
NIV)
 
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep
know me--just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my
life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must
bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock
and one shepherd. (Jn. 10:14–16, NIV)
 
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,
nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you
belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the
promise. (Gal. 3:28–29, NIV)
 
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those
who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one,
Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that
the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that
you gave me, that they may be one as we are one–I in them and you in me--so
that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you
sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (Jn. 17:20–23, NIV)
 
3.  A unifying
spirit is the mark of true Christianity.
 
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another." (Jn. 13:34-35, NIV)
 
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called
children of God. (Matt. 5:9, NIV)
 
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life
worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity
of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1–3, NIV)
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member
strives for unity in the body.
 
Great Enemies of Unity
 
Ø 
Selfishness and personal preferences
 
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united
with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to
the interests of the others. (Phil. 2:1–4, NIV)
 
Ø 
Gossip and slander
 
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates
close friends. (Prov. 16:28, NIV)
 
Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to
retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that
they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of
wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant
and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they
have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. (Rom. 1:28–31, NIV)
 
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,
impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy,
fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness,
orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like
this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19–21, NIV)
 
Ø 
An unforgiving spirit
 
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance
against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues
put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of
Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to
peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:12–15, NIV)
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member
strives for unity in the body.

“What Is a Healthy Church Member? A Worshiping Member” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 27, 2013)

“What Is a Healthy Church Member? A Worshiping
Member”
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 27, 2013)
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member is a
faithful worshiper of God.
 
Whenever the living
creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who
lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits
on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their
crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to
receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will
they were created and have their being." (Rev. 4:9–11, NIV)
 
Therefore, I urge you,
brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.
(Rom. 12:1, NIV)
 
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him
in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his
surpassing greatness. (Ps. 150:1-2, NIV)
 
1.     
A healthy church member values private and
family worship.
 
Yet a time is coming and
has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and
in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit,
and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." (Jn. 4:23-24,
NIV)
 
Therefore, since we are
receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship
God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming
fire." (Heb. 12:28-29, NIV)
 
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love
the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
strength. (Deut. 6:4-5, NIV)
 
These commandments that I give you today are to be on
your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at
home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them
on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut. 6:6-9, NIV)
 
2.     
A healthy church member prioritizes corporate
worship.
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he
who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the
habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the
Day approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)
 
They
devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV)
 
For we
are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. (1 Co.
3:9, NIV)
 
Don't
you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in
your midst? (1 Co. 3:16, NIV)
 
Main Idea: A healthy church member values
private and family worship and prioritizes corporate worship with the family of
God.

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 20, 2013)

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?”
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 20, 2013)
 
Last Week
A healthy church member is one who has been genuinely
converted through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a
biblical response to the gospel and a changed life.
 
Main Idea
A healthy church member is a growing, learning disciple of
Jesus Christ who is seeking to make other disciples.
 
1.  Every Christian
is a Disciple.
 
Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my
disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For
whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for
me will save it. (Lk. 9:23–24, NIV)
 
Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and
looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
(Lk. 9:62, NIV)
 
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter
the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is
in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in
your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many
miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you
evildoers!’ (Matt. 7:21–23, NIV)
 
2.  Every disciple
is a growing, learning follower of Jesus Christ.
 
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy
and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28–30, NIV)
 
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have
not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the
knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit
gives,
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please
him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of
God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that
you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the
kingdom of light. (Col. 1:9–12, NIV)
 
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue
to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith
as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6–7, NIV)
 
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Pet. 3:18, NIV)
 
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone
with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (Col.
1:28, NIV)
 
3.  Disciples of
Jesus Christ seek to make other disciples.
 
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will
send you out to fish for people." (Matt. 4:19, NIV)
 
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18–20,
NIV)
 
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the
evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the
faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to
the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:11–13, NIV)
 
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you
teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs
from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:16, NIV)
 
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla
and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the
way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26, NIV)
 
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many
witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach
others. (2 Tim. 2:2, NIV)
 
Main Idea
A healthy church member is a growing, learning disciple of
Jesus Christ who is seeking to make other disciples.

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?: True Conversion” - Cameron Jungles - Sun AM, October 13, 2013

“What Is a Healthy Church Member?: True Conversion”
(Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 13, 2013)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that,
if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct
themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
“What Is a Healthy Church Member?”
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
Main Idea
A healthy church member is one who has been genuinely
converted.
 
1.  True conversion
is a gracious work of God’s Spirit.
 
"Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of
God unless they are born again. "
(Jn. 3:3, NIV)
Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can
enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh
gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
(Jn. 3:5-6, NIV)
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but
you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with
everyone born of the Spirit."
(Jn. 3:8, NIV)
 
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his
mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy
Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so
that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope
of eternal life. (Tit. 3:4-7, NIV)
 
As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even
one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. As it is
written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who
understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have
together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
(Rom. 3:10-12, NIV)
 
2.  True conversion
manifests a biblical response to the gospel.
 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (Jn.
3:16, NIV)
 
He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I
do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you
will be saved--you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31, NIV)
 
If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with
your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Rom. 10:9-10, NIV)
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
saved."
(Rom. 10:13, NIV)
 
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,
proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said.
"The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
(Mk. 1:14-15, NIV)
 
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance." (Lk. 5:32, NIV)
 
Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in
his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Lk. 24:47, NIV)
 
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and
said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of
Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of
the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38, NIV)
 
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he
commands all people everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30, NIV)
 
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn
to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21, NIV)
 
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and
in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and
turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20, NIV)
 
3.  True conversion
results in a changed life.
 
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a
new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Co. 5:17, NLT)
 
Don't you know that the unjust will not inherit God's
kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers,
or any kind of homosexual, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally
abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom. And some of you used
to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Co. 6:9-11,
CSB)
 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)
 
Main Idea
A healthy church member is one who has been genuinely
converted through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a
biblical response to the gospel and a changed life.

Why Should I Join the Church? - Cameron Jungles - 10-6-2013 AM

“Why Should I Join the Church?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/October 6, 2013)Main IdeaThe New Testament expectation is that Christians will commit to belong and serve as part of a local congregation of believers.1. Church membership is assumed from the Bible’s teaching on church discipline."If your brother or sister sins, goand point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.  (Matt. 18:15, NIV)But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'  (Matt. 18:16, NIV)If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.  (Matt. 18:17, NIV)But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (1 Co. 5:11, NIV)What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  (1 Co. 5:12, NIV)God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."  (1 Co. 5:13, NIV)2. Church membership is assumed by the meaning of the word “join.”The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. (Acts 5:12, NIV)No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. (Acts 5:13, NIV)3. Church membership is assumed by the meaning of the phrase “the whole church.”So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?  (1 Co. 14:23, NIV)4. Church membership is assumed by the instructions to elders regarding pastoral oversight of the church.Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (1 Tim. 3:1, NIV)He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (1 Tim. 3:4, NIV)(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)  (1 Tim. 3:5, NIV)To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: (1 Pet. 5:1, NIV)Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; (1 Pet. 5:2, NIV)not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:3, NIV)And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.  (1 Pet. 5:4, NIV)Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Heb. 13:17, NIV)5. Church membership is assumed by the biblical metaphors used to describe the church.Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Co. 12:12, NIV)As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  (1 Co. 12:20, NIV)so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  (1 Co. 12:25, NIV)If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  (1 Co. 12:26, NIV)Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  (1 Co. 12:27, NIV)For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,  (Rom. 12:4, NIV)so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.  (Rom. 12:5, NIV)6. Church membership is assumed by the numbers used to describe those who became part of the church. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41, NIV)They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV)7. Church membership is assumed based on the existence of other rolls and lists for specific groups in the church.No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, (1 Tim. 5:9, NIV)and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord's people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. (1 Tim. 5:10, NIV)As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. (1 Tim. 5:11, NIV)8. Church membership is assumed based on the fact that the universal body of Christ has a membership roll.Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.  (Phil. 4:3, NIV)Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.  (Rev. 20:11, NIV)And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. (Rev. 20:12, NIV)The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.  (Rev. 20:13, NIV)Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. (Rev. 20:14, NIV)Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:15, NIV)Main IdeaThe New Testament expectation is that Christians will commit to belong and serve as part of a local congregation of believers.

“What Does the Church Do?” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/September 29, 2013)

“What Does the Church Do?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 29, 2013)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to
conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
1.  The church
worships together.
 
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the
kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must
worship in the Spirit and in truth." (Jn. 4:23-24, NIV)
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
On the first day of the week we came together to break
bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day,
kept on talking until midnight. (Acts 20:7, NIV)
 
For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field,
God's building. (1 Co. 3:9, NIV)
 
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that
God's Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will
destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that
temple. (1 Co. 3:16-17, NIV)
 
2.  The church
learns together.
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)
 
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of
the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you
in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving
together as one for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27, NIV)
 
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has
ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we
profess. (Heb. 4:14, NIV)
 
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you
about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend
for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people. (Jude 1:3,
NIV)
For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will
of God. (Acts 20:27, NIV)
 
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of
Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
(1 Tim. 4:13, NIV)
 
3.  The church
fellowships together.
 
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV)
 
4.  The church
evangelizes together.
 
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20,
NIV)
 
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers
for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the
gospel from the first day until now, (Phil. 1:3-5, NIV)
 
5.  The church
serves together.
 
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the
evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in
the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-13, NIV)
 
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not
think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with
sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of
you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members
do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according
to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in
accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching,
then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving,
then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show
mercy, do it cheerfully. (Rom. 12:3-8, NIV)
 
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all
people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:10,
NIV)
 
Main Idea
As we seek to bring honor to Christ, we must faithfully
carry out the tasks that he has given to his church in his Word.
·        
We worship together.
·        
We learn together.
·        
We fellowship together.
·        
We evangelize together.
·        
We serve together.
·        
For the Glory of Christ.
 

“Why is the church important?” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/September 22, 2013)

“Why is
the church important?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 22, 2013)
 
1.     
The local church is Christ’s institution.
 
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I
will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matt.
16:18, NIV)
 
2.     
Christ gave his life to purchase the church for
himself.
 
25 Husbands, love your
wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26
to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27
and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or
any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27, NIV)
 
3.     
The local church is God’s means of
accomplishing the biblical mission for this age.
 
a. The
great commission is the responsibility of local churches.
 
18 Then Jesus came to them
and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20, NIV)
 
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NIV)
 
46 He told them, "This
is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third
day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached
in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are
witnesses of these things. (Lk. 24:46-48, NIV)
 
19 Consequently, you are no
longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also
members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Eph.
2:19-20, NIV)
 
b.The
great commission results in the establishment of more local churches.
 
2 While they were
worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent
them off. (Acts 13:2-3, NIV)
 
23 Paul and Barnabas
appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,
committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23, NIV)
 
41 Those who accepted his
message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that
day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
4.     
The local church has been given the
responsibility for proclaiming and upholding the Word of God.
 
14 Although I hope to come
to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am
delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's
household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of
the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
5.     
The local church is essential for Christian
ministry and growth in the Christian life.
 
a. It is
essential for making disciples (Matt 28:18–20) who are being taught everything
that Christ instructed us.
 
b.It is
the incubator for Christian growth, discipleship, and the development of the
fruit of the Spirit.
 
c. It is
one of God’s primary means for spurring us on to faithfulness and perseverance
in the faith.
 
23 Let us hold unswervingly
to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let
us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb.
10:23-25, NIV)
 
15 "If your brother or
sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they
listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not
listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established
by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse
to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the
church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything
they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matt.
18:15-20, NIV)
 
6.     
The church was instituted to bring honor and
glory to Jesus Christ and ultimately to God.
 
Colossians 1:18-20   18 And
he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn
from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  19 For God was pleased to have all
his fullness dwell in him,  20
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
 
Ephesians 3:20-21   20 ¶
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,  21 to him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
 
Main Idea: The
church is important to Christ; it should be important to his disciples.
 

“What is the Church?” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/September 15, 2013)

“What is the Church?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 15, 2013)
 
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the
head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up
for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the
word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle
or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:23-27, NIV)
 
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the
beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might
have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18, NIV)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to
conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
1.     
The church is not...
 
a.  The church is not a building.
b.  The church is not a social club or society.
c.  The church is not a community service or
civic organization.
d.  The church is not a political lobby or
interest group.
e.  The church is not a camp, school, or
publishing house.
f.  The church is not a recovery group.
g.  The church is not a denomination.
h.  The church is not a preacher on television,
radio, or internet.
j.  The church is not a weekly time to hear
singing and preaching.
k. The church is not your family
meeting at home.
l. The church is not a human
invention or idea.
 
2.     
The church is...
 
a. The church is an assembly or
congregation.
b. The universal church is...
 
*  All of the
redeemed, regenerated believers in the Lord Jesus Christ in every age and every
location (in heaven and on earth).
 
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one
body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one
Spirit to drink. (1 Co. 12:13, NIV)
 
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to
one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and
Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:3-6, NIV)
 
And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to
take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your
blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people
and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:9-10, NIV)
 
c. The local church is...
 
*  A geographically
local, chronologically specific manifestation of the body of Christ with:
 
ü  A
regenerate, baptized membership
ü  Biblical
officers of pastors (elders) and deacons
ü  A
commitment to the gospel and sound doctrine
ü  A
mutual cooperation in accomplishing the biblical mission
ü  A
faithfulness to meet at regular times for worship, instruction, fellowship,
ministry, and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)
 
A local church is a body of true believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ who have been baptized by immersion as a public testimony of faith
and commitment; who are organized with scriptural officers; who share a common
body of truth around which to fellowship; who practice mutual accountability
for godliness; who work together to carry out the Great Commission; and who
meet at regular and stated times for worship, spiritual edification,
fellowship, and the observance of the ordinances of baptism and communion.
 
Main Idea
The church is Christ’s body. He bought it with his own
blood, and he defines what it is and how it should function for his honor and
glory.