Aligning Our Perspective: The True Nature of Church
Summary
Summary:
Happy New Year! As we embark on 2025, it's crucial to examine our perspectives, especially regarding the church. Perspective shapes our understanding and actions, much like how a camera angle can alter our perception of a scene. This series, "Perspective," aims to align our views with biblical truths, ensuring we see the church as God intended.
The church, or "ecclesia," is not just a building or a set of leaders; it's the gathering of believers. Our perspective on church should be rooted in Scripture, which provides a blueprint for what the church should embody. Acts 14:23 emphasizes the importance of being an elder-led church, guiding us through prayer and wisdom. Public reading of Scripture, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 4:13, is essential, ensuring that our gatherings are grounded in God's Word.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 calls us to make disciples, not just believers. This involves teaching, baptizing, and reaching out to all nations, emphasizing the global mission of the church. Worship is another vital aspect, as it allows us to express gratitude and reverence for God's sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15 reminds us that worship is a sacrifice of praise, not a mere routine.
Moreover, the church is called to support those in need, as seen in Matthew 25. We must bear one another's burdens, providing encouragement and assistance. Hebrews 3:13 urges us to exhort each other daily, fostering a community of support and love. Giving, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:7, should be done cheerfully, reflecting our gratitude for God's blessings.
Finally, Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the role of church leaders in equipping the saints for ministry. This involves empowering each member to use their gifts for the collective mission. The church is not a place for consumers but for partners who actively participate in God's work.
Key Takeaways:
- Perspective Shapes Reality: Just as a camera angle can change how we perceive a scene, our perspective on church influences our understanding and actions. Aligning our perspective with biblical truths ensures we see the church as God intended, focusing on its role as a gathering of believers rather than just a building or leadership structure. [26:26]
- The Church's Mission: The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not just believers. This involves teaching, baptizing, and reaching out globally. Our mission extends beyond local boundaries, emphasizing the importance of international outreach and discipleship as core components of the church's purpose. [35:27]
- Worship as a Sacrifice: Worship is a vital part of church life, allowing us to express gratitude and reverence for God's sacrifice. It's not about personal preference but about glorifying God. Worship should be seen as a sacrifice of praise, focusing on God's worthiness rather than our likes or dislikes. [39:09]
- Supporting One Another: The church is called to bear one another's burdens, providing encouragement and assistance. This involves actively supporting those in need and fostering a community of love and support. Encouragement should be a daily practice, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:13, creating a positive and uplifting environment. [41:53]
- Active Participation: The church is not a place for consumers but for partners who actively participate in God's work. Each member is called to use their gifts for the collective mission, contributing to the church's growth and impact. This involves moving from a consumer mindset to one of partnership, engaging fully in the life and mission of the church. [52:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Perspective
- [05:30] - Understanding Twitch and Perspective
- [10:15] - Biblical Perspective on Church
- [15:00] - The Importance of Elders
- [20:30] - Public Reading of Scripture
- [25:45] - The Great Commission
- [30:00] - Making Disciples
- [35:00] - Worship as a Sacrifice
- [40:00] - Supporting Those in Need
- [45:00] - Encouragement and Exhortation
- [50:00] - Giving with a Cheerful Heart
- [55:00] - Equipping the Saints
- [01:00:00] - Partnership vs. Consumerism
- [01:05:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Perspective" Series
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 14:23
2. Matthew 28:18-19
3. Hebrews 13:15
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Acts 14:23, what role do elders play in the church, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on being an elder-led church? [29:41]
2. In Matthew 28:18-19, what specific actions are believers called to take as part of the Great Commission, and how does this relate to the church's mission as discussed in the sermon? [35:27]
3. Hebrews 13:15 describes worship as a "sacrifice of praise." How does the sermon explain the importance of worship in the life of the church? [39:09]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of perspective, and how does this relate to our understanding of the church? [26:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the appointment of elders in Acts 14:23 reflect the biblical model of church leadership, and why is this significant for the church today? [29:41]
2. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-19 emphasizes making disciples. What does the sermon suggest is the difference between making disciples and merely making believers? [35:27]
3. Hebrews 13:15 speaks of worship as a sacrifice. How does the sermon challenge common misconceptions about worship, and what does it mean to offer a "sacrifice of praise"? [39:09]
4. The sermon uses the analogy of forced perspective in filmmaking. How does this analogy help us understand the importance of having a biblical perspective on the church? [26:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current perspective of the church. How might aligning your view with biblical truths change your involvement or attitude towards church activities? [26:26]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making disciples. Identify one person in your life whom you can mentor or disciple. What steps can you take to begin this process? [35:27]
3. Worship is described as a sacrifice of praise. How can you shift your focus during worship from personal preferences to glorifying God? What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart for worship each week? [39:09]
4. Supporting one another is a key aspect of church life. Think of someone in your church community who is in need. How can you offer support or encouragement to them this week? [41:53]
5. The sermon challenges the consumer mindset in church. How can you move from being a consumer to a partner in your church community? What specific actions can you take to contribute to the church's mission? [52:55]
6. Consider the role of church leaders in equipping the saints for ministry. How can you use your gifts to support the church's mission and help equip others? [44:02]
7. The sermon discusses the importance of perspective. How can you ensure that your perspective on church aligns with biblical teachings? What resources or practices can help you maintain this perspective? [26:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Perspective Shapes Our Understanding of Church
Our perspective on the church significantly influences how we engage with it. Just as a camera angle can change the perception of a scene, our view of the church can alter our understanding and actions. The church, or "ecclesia," is not merely a building or a group of leaders; it is the gathering of believers. This perspective should be rooted in Scripture, which provides a blueprint for what the church should embody. Acts 14:23 emphasizes the importance of being an elder-led church, guiding us through prayer and wisdom. Public reading of Scripture, as highlighted in 1 Timothy 4:13, ensures that our gatherings are grounded in God's Word. By aligning our perspective with biblical truths, we can see the church as God intended, focusing on its role as a community of believers. [26:26]
"Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: How does your current perspective on the church influence your participation and engagement? What steps can you take to align your view more closely with biblical teachings?
Day 2: The Church's Global Mission
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, not just believers. This involves teaching, baptizing, and reaching out globally, emphasizing the importance of international outreach and discipleship as core components of the church's purpose. Our mission extends beyond local boundaries, urging us to embrace a global perspective. The church is called to be a light to the nations, sharing the message of Christ's love and salvation with all people. This global mission requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with diverse cultures and communities, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. [35:27]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to participate in the church's global mission? How can you support international outreach efforts in your community or church?
Day 3: Worship as a Sacrifice of Praise
Worship is a vital part of church life, allowing us to express gratitude and reverence for God's sacrifice. It is not about personal preference but about glorifying God. Worship should be seen as a sacrifice of praise, focusing on God's worthiness rather than our likes or dislikes. Hebrews 13:15 reminds us that worship is a sacrifice of praise, not a mere routine. This perspective challenges us to approach worship with a heart of gratitude and reverence, recognizing the significance of God's sacrifice and responding with genuine praise. [39:09]
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus during worship from personal preferences to glorifying God? What changes can you make in your worship practice to offer a true sacrifice of praise?
Day 4: Supporting and Encouraging One Another
The church is called to bear one another's burdens, providing encouragement and assistance. This involves actively supporting those in need and fostering a community of love and support. Encouragement should be a daily practice, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:13, creating a positive and uplifting environment. The church is not just a place for spiritual growth but also a community where believers can find support and encouragement. By bearing one another's burdens, we reflect the love of Christ and build a strong, supportive community. [41:53]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community or church needs encouragement or support today? How can you actively bear their burdens and provide assistance?
Day 5: Active Participation in the Church's Mission
The church is not a place for consumers but for partners who actively participate in God's work. Each member is called to use their gifts for the collective mission, contributing to the church's growth and impact. This involves moving from a consumer mindset to one of partnership, engaging fully in the life and mission of the church. Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the role of church leaders in equipping the saints for ministry, empowering each member to use their gifts for the collective mission. By actively participating in the church's mission, we contribute to its growth and impact, fulfilling our role as partners in God's work. [52:55]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What gifts or talents do you have that can be used to serve the church and its mission? How can you move from a consumer mindset to actively participating in the church's work?
Quotes
"And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the king will answer, truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me. And so what we take from this is that we as the people of God, we as the ecclesia, as the gathering, we need to be providing for those who are in need." [00:40:20] (17 seconds)
"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. And I love the writing of this right here. It says, but exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today. We can't exist in the past. We can't exist in the future. We are always going to be in the present and the present is always going to be today." [00:40:56] (23 seconds)
"Partners come together as the body of Christ to fulfill God's mission for the church. And I'll tell you something is that partners critique and criticize as well. They just do it to the right people. They just do it to the ones who can like, hey, I want to make a difference. I want to kind of change things up." [00:52:55] (17 seconds)
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