Building the Church: A Cosmic Family in Christ
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound and multifaceted nature of the church as envisioned by Christ. The Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, reveal a consistent narrative of God's plan to build His church, a community that stands at the epicenter of His divine purpose. This plan is not merely about individual salvation but about creating a new family, a community that reflects the kingdom of God on earth. The church is built on enemy-occupied territory, constantly under attack from the gates of hell, yet it is promised victory through Christ's power and sovereignty.
We began by considering the surprising elements within the biblical narrative, particularly in Matthew 16, where Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ marks a pivotal moment. Despite Peter's frailties and misunderstandings, Jesus chooses him as a foundational figure in the church's establishment. This choice underscores the surprising grace of God, who uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will.
The church is not just a gathering of individuals but a strategic center for God's operations in the world. It is built in the midst of spiritual warfare, where the forces of darkness seek to undermine its mission. Yet, the church is assured of triumph because it is founded on the rock of Christ's identity and mission. This mission involves a call to self-denial and cross-bearing, reflecting the pattern of Christ's own life and ministry.
Furthermore, the church is a cosmic family, uniting believers on earth with the saints in heaven. This unity transcends earthly divisions and reflects the reconciliation achieved through Christ's death and resurrection. As members of this family, we are called to live out the reality of this unity, demonstrating the love and grace of God to a fragmented world.
In conclusion, the church is central to God's redemptive plan, a beacon of hope and a testament to His enduring love. As we embrace our role within this community, we are invited to participate in the unfolding story of God's kingdom, living out the reality of the gospel in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Church as a Central Plan: Christ's mission is to build His church, a community that stands at the heart of His ministry. This plan is not just about individual salvation but about creating a new family that reflects the kingdom of God on earth. The church is a strategic center for God's operations, built on the foundation of Christ's identity and mission. [18:40]
2. Surprising Grace in Leadership: Jesus' choice of Peter, despite his frailties, highlights the surprising grace of God. This choice underscores that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. [12:40]
3. Spiritual Warfare and Victory: The church is built on enemy-occupied territory, constantly under attack from the gates of hell. Yet, it is promised victory through Christ's power and sovereignty, as it stands as a testament to God's enduring love and grace. [33:09]
4. Unity of the Cosmic Family: The church unites believers on earth with the saints in heaven, reflecting the reconciliation achieved through Christ's death and resurrection. This unity transcends earthly divisions and calls us to live out the reality of this unity in our daily lives. [31:39]
5. Call to Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing: Following Christ involves a call to self-denial and cross-bearing, reflecting the pattern of His own life and ministry. This call invites us to participate in the unfolding story of God's kingdom, living out the reality of the gospel in our daily lives. [50:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - Diverse Love for Scripture
- [01:05] - Sweeping Through the Bible
- [02:39] - Christ Building His Church
- [03:33] - Genesis Prophecy
- [04:02] - Revelation's Apocalyptic Vision
- [06:10] - Peter's Confession
- [08:46] - Prayer for Understanding
- [10:19] - Surprising Grace in Scripture
- [12:03] - Peter's Role in Redemptive History
- [14:52] - The Destiny of Jesus
- [16:19] - The Church's Unique Mention
- [18:40] - Christ's Central Plan
- [20:54] - Kingdom and Church
- [23:08] - Shepherd and Sheep
- [25:33] - Community and Individualism
- [28:59] - The Church's Unique Witness
- [31:39] - Cosmic Family Unity
- [33:09] - Enemy-Occupied Territory
- [36:59] - Strategic Operations
- [40:40] - Spiritual Warfare
- [43:09] - Satan's Weapons
- [46:21] - Frailty of Servants
- [50:02] - Cross-Bearing and Resurrection
- [52:53] - Death and New Life
- [55:58] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:14-15
2. Revelation 12:1-6
3. Matthew 16:13-28
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Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 3:14-15, what is the significance of the enmity between the serpent and the woman, and how does this relate to the church's mission? [03:33]
2. How does the imagery in Revelation 12:1-6 depict the cosmic struggle between good and evil, and what role does the church play in this narrative? [04:02]
3. In Matthew 16:13-28, what is surprising about Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, and how does Jesus respond to him? [06:10]
4. What does Jesus mean when He says, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" in relation to the church? [06:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the church as a "cosmic family" in the sermon challenge or affirm traditional views of church community? [31:39]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of spiritual warfare in the life of the church, and how should believers respond to this reality? [33:09]
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of Peter in the establishment of the church, and what does this reveal about God's use of imperfect people? [12:40]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church is built on "enemy-occupied territory," and how does this impact the church's mission and strategy? [33:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of the church as a "strategic center for God's operations." How can you contribute to your church's mission in your community? [18:40]
2. The sermon highlights the surprising grace of God in choosing Peter. Can you identify a time when God used your weaknesses for His purposes? How did that experience shape your faith? [12:40]
3. Considering the church's role in spiritual warfare, what practical steps can you take to support your church in standing firm against spiritual attacks? [40:40]
4. The sermon calls believers to self-denial and cross-bearing. What specific area of your life might God be calling you to surrender or change to follow Christ more closely? [50:02]
5. How can you actively participate in fostering unity within your church, especially in light of the cosmic family concept that unites believers on earth with the saints in heaven? [31:39]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the church being built on enemy-occupied territory. How does this perspective change your view of challenges faced by your church? [33:09]
7. The sermon emphasizes living out the reality of the gospel in daily life. What is one specific way you can demonstrate the love and grace of God in your interactions this week? [31:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as God's Strategic Center
The church is not merely a collection of individuals seeking personal salvation; it is a strategic center for God's operations on earth. Christ's mission to build His church is central to His ministry, aiming to create a new family that reflects the kingdom of God. This community is built on the foundation of Christ's identity and mission, standing as a beacon of hope and a testament to God's enduring love. The church's role is to embody the kingdom of God, serving as a light in a world often shrouded in darkness. [18:40]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: How can you contribute to your church community to help it reflect the kingdom of God more fully in your local context?
Day 2: Surprising Grace in Leadership
In the biblical narrative, Jesus' choice of Peter, despite his frailties, highlights the surprising grace of God. This choice underscores that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of the church, showing that God often chooses unlikely individuals to lead and serve in His kingdom. This grace invites us to embrace our own weaknesses, trusting that God can work through us despite our imperfections. [12:40]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate, and how can you invite God's grace to work through your weaknesses today?
Day 3: Spiritual Warfare and Victory
The church is built on enemy-occupied territory, constantly under attack from the gates of hell. Yet, it is promised victory through Christ's power and sovereignty. This spiritual warfare is a reality for the church, but it stands as a testament to God's enduring love and grace. The church's mission involves engaging in this battle, assured of triumph because it is founded on the rock of Christ's identity and mission. Believers are called to stand firm, knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured through Christ. [33:09]
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV): "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What spiritual battles are you currently facing, and how can you rely on Christ's power and sovereignty to overcome them?
Day 4: Unity of the Cosmic Family
The church unites believers on earth with the saints in heaven, reflecting the reconciliation achieved through Christ's death and resurrection. This unity transcends earthly divisions and calls us to live out the reality of this unity in our daily lives. As members of this cosmic family, believers are invited to demonstrate the love and grace of God to a fragmented world, embodying the reconciliation and peace that Christ has accomplished. This unity is a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. [31:39]
Colossians 3:11-14 (ESV): "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity and reconciliation in your relationships and community today?
Day 5: Call to Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing
Following Christ involves a call to self-denial and cross-bearing, reflecting the pattern of His own life and ministry. This call invites believers to participate in the unfolding story of God's kingdom, living out the reality of the gospel in their daily lives. Embracing this call means prioritizing God's will over personal desires, embodying the sacrificial love and humility that Christ demonstrated. It is an invitation to live a life marked by service, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the mission of God. [50:02]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice self-denial, and how can you take a step towards cross-bearing today?
Quotes
We are thinking about the church this morning, that is, the hidden story within the title this morning “the Rock.” We are thinking about Christ building His church, and I want to begin with Adam. And I want to show you simply by reading three passages that the same story – the same story as first of all taught us in biblical prophecy. [00:02:39]
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. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. [00:06:40]
The first is this as I’ve already hinted, that Christ's central plan in His coming is to build a church, and this stands at the very heart of His ministry. Hundred years ago, there was a great controversy in New Testament scholarship. Roman Catholic scholars who were studying the Scriptures, some of them were excommunicated. [00:19:00]
And so, as Jesus – and this is striking in Luke’s version of the gospel, at the same point as Jesus, on the Mount of Transfiguration, has a conversation with Moses and Elijah about the exodus He is going to accomplish in Jerusalem. The exodus of Egypt comes to its fulfillment in the exodus of Calvary, and the garden tomb emptied. [00:23:48]
Remember how Paul speaks both to the Ephesians and the Colossians about Jesus Christ reconciling under His one headship, things in heaven and things on earth. Well, there's nothing in heaven that needs to be reconciled to God. It's a world of sinlessness. It’s where the saints of God live and they sin no more. [00:31:22]
Our Lord Jesus Christ plans to build His church on enemy-occupied territory. He plans to build His church on enemy-occupied territory. “I will build my church,” He says, in verse 18, “and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Now, there is a view among the scholars that there was some ghastly cave at Caesarea, Philippi. [00:32:59]
The church is built on enemy-occupied territory. It's the story of Revelation 12. It’s the story of the infant Jesus and King Herod, seeking to devour the Christ child. His Father protecting Him, and so the serpent now grown into this ugly, ferocious, red dragon. He now pursues the woman into the desert. [00:39:28]
The third proposition is this: Christ builds His church through servants who are marked by great frailty. Isn’t that beautiful? I mean it’s not beautiful that I’ve said it that way. The thing itself is beautiful. Isn't it? That – you know the angels, what’re the angels thinking – I think they’re thinking this: ‘Jesus, why are you starting with plan R? [00:46:21]
And then the fourth proposition, and with this we close. The first is that building the church is at the heart of Christ’s ministry. The second, that Christ always builds His church on enemy-occupied territory. The third, that He builds His church through servants marked by great frailty. [00:49:34]
Only when the church becomes a seed that falls into the ground and dies will it bear much fruit. But you will see the Son of Man coming in His glory, and some of them get a glimpse of that immediately in that marvelous transfiguration scene. What’s He saying? This is actually the reason ancient architects built church buildings in the form of a cross. [00:50:18]
The cross was ever meant to be the ground plan of the Christian life. So that the way in which the church is fruitful is when the church is squeezed into the mold of, as Paul says, sharing in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings in order that it may share in the fellowship of His resurrection, being conformed to Him in His death. [00:51:02]
And we need to learn to be churches prepared to die to this world and in this world with Christ if we long to be churches that will live. Many of us love the writings of C.S. Lewis, although he’s not the greatest theological guide, but most of you know that C.S. Lewis said, “Basically, all of my good thoughts come from the Scotsman, George McDonald.” [00:53:20]
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