There are only two views of the church in the world today.
The Universal Church or as it is commonly known as The Body of Christ to us as Gentiles and the Messianic Church to Jewish Believers globally - this is mostly the invisible church.
The Local Church or Messianic Congregation which is visible for all to see in communities all over the world. This is what I want to talk about today - the local expression.
The Church is God’s idea and it comes out of His heart full of expectancy that every man, woman, young person, boy and girl will accomplish the purpose for which they have been redeemed and placed into His Body.
When you read through the Book of Acts, which shows the work of the Holy Spirit in the young church for over 30 years, you see an interesting beginning.
Acts 1 is the call to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father - to be baptized with the the Holy Spirit. God would use the Day of Pentecost when Jews from all over the world were present.
Acts 2 is the call to go now that they were all endued with power from on high.
I need to teach you three important statements today.
Sola scriptura.
Means the Bible alone enables us to understand the mind, will and plans of God concerning salvation and His mission.
Missio Dei.
The mission of God encompassing all of creation as He is moving to create a new heaven and new earth.
Missio Ecclesia.
He empowers the church for witness and service. Believers are called to share the gospel with people so they too can come to know Christ. Moving from God, through the church, to the world, God’s redemptive work results in people of every tribe, tongue and nation being saved, equipped and in turn sent to others with the gospel.
These 3 statements must be our STARTING POINT to understand the church biblically; to see the heart of a missionary God; and the life of mission that the church is called to.
LET’S BEGIN...
Matthew 16:13-18
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Remember, Jesus, whose Hebrew name is Yeshua, is speaking to His disciples, and they are all Jewish. This passage is full of meaning to them. They understand as Jews but we don’t as Gentiles. We need cultural clarification.
Jesus takes the disciples away from the crowds. They take a day’s walk north of the Sea of Galilee to a non-Jewish area, inhabited by Gentiles known as Caesarea Philippi. In the Old Testament the god Baal was worshipped here. In the New Testament, the god Pan became the center of attraction. Jesus takes them to the center of darkness.
It is here that Jesus asks them to tell Him what everyone is saying about Him.
John the Baptist back from the dead.
Herod Antipas, the ruler in Galilee, has been speaking out of guilt for beheading John. Herod believes Jesus is John raised from the dead and that is why He is doing such amazing miracles. Mt. 14:2
Perhaps this is Elijah the prophet.
Elijah was the honoured guest at every Passover Meal. He is the one who will announce the coming of the Messiah so at the end of every meal, a child is sent to the door to open it and see if Elijah is there...they are always disappointed.
Then, the question of all questions.
Matthew 16:15, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
A reference to the virgin birth noted in Isaiah and a confirmation of what was heard from heaven at Jesus’ baptism, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Jesus does to Peter what all good rabbis do to students who give correct answers. He blesses him, affirms his answer and prepares Peter for more.
Do you want to be blessed by Rabbi Jesus? Then answer His question correctly!
Jesus is reminding them that it doesn’t matter what people say about Him, what matters is what God says about Him.
Their response and our response to that question among questions will determine the entire trajectory of our lives.
Because Peter had received this revelation from heaven, it signaled that the time had come for Jesus to announce the beginning of and the building of HIS church.
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The church was built upon the rock of revelation of who Jesus was - the Son of the Living God.
1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
The five most important questions when trying to understand a story are called the W5 with How? added to round them out.
Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?
Every journalist must ask these questions to understand what the story is all about, who the characters are and how it happened or is happening.
Biblical stories are no exception.
Who? “Who do men say that I am?” Jesus asked this question of all His disciples but only Peter could answer with certainty.
From the Father in heaven, to Peter on earth, came the answer to the who question.
Peter then speaks to Jesus, “You are the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus speaks to Peter and answers the what? following this heaven sent revelation, “I will build My church.”
Jesus tells them they are at the Starting Point as He launches vision for the church.
When? Right here, right now, the seeds of the church are being sown into each of you so you’ll know how to invest your life in God’s plans and purposes.
Where? Caesarea Philippi, the heart of darkness and idolatry and Jesus declares for all to hear, both in heaven, on earth and under the earth, “And the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”
Why? Jesus settled the issue of authority that the church possessed from the beginning. “The gates of hell, or the authority of hell, will not prevail against the church.”
The church was birthed in victory, lives in victory and will, in the end be known by all as eternally victorious.
2 Corinthians 2: 14, But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
And finally, the How?
1 Peter 2:5, As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus answered the who am I question, the what am I doing question, and the how will I do it question.
Who? is about identity. Jesus is Lord.
What? is about purpose. He builds His church with those committed to His plans and purposes.
How? is about action.
1 Peter 4:10-11, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies— in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
What does all this mean to us listening today?
The local church is God’s idea to bring us as individuals into community as His people to do His will.
Hebrews 13:17 says it this way, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
The scriptures instruct us as Christians to submit to and obey our leaders.
The scriptures also instruct leaders to care for and equip their people.
Throughout the NT we learn about the gifts of the Spirit for leaders and members, issues of church discipline, elections, the care of widows but mostly the need for each of us to mature in a healthy body.
Being part of a local church since I first became a believer has helped me grow up.
Some of you challenge me to be more zealous in my faith, patient with others, more prayerful, merciful, repentant and to serve joyfully.
I would never be challenged if I chose to live the Christian life apart from you.
For 30 years Lifecentre has been good for me as a man, husband and father. It has also helped me in my marriage, my family and my spiritual growth.
The church is not about you.
The church is all about our joining Him on mission as co-laborers.
“As the Father has sent Me, even so, I send you.”
We are being called to join Jesus on mission every day and to...
Care about the things He cares about.
The Great Commandment - to love God and others.
The Great Commission - to share the gospel with the lost.
Colossians 1:16, For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Ephesians 3:20, Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH CONTINUES...
ACTS 2
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Multiplying and maturing the followers of Christ (discipleship).
Increasing the number of congregations (church planting).
Being dedicated to God’s kingdom (living under His lordship).
Extending God’s fame throughout the earth (worship).
Doing good in the name of Jesus Christ (works of mercy).
