In our new sermon series, "Our Church," we explore the foundational DNA of our community, beginning with the concept of being gospel-centered. This series aims to delve into the essence of our church's identity and mission, focusing on the five core DNAs that define us. Today, we start with the first DNA: being centered on the gospel. This is not merely about adhering to a set of doctrines but about placing Jesus Christ at the heart of everything we do. The gospel is not just a message; it is the person of Jesus, His life, death, and resurrection, which reconciles us to God and gives us hope beyond this life.
We examined Colossians 1:15-20, a passage that highlights the supremacy of Christ. This scripture, possibly an early Christian hymn, emphasizes Jesus as the image of the invisible God and the creator of all things. It underscores His preeminence and His role as the head of the church. The early church's worship was revolutionary, as it included Jesus in the devotion traditionally reserved for God alone, signifying His divine nature and centrality to the faith.
The church exists because of Jesus. Without His death and resurrection, there would be no church. The essence of the church is not found in its buildings, programs, or even its leaders, but in Christ Himself. He is the head, and we are His body. Our purpose is to glorify Him, and our mission is to live out His teachings and share His love with the world.
As we reflect on what it means to be a gospel-centered church, we are reminded that everything we do should be for Him and through Him. Our ministries, our worship, and our community life are all expressions of our devotion to Christ. We are called to serve with humility, recognizing that the church belongs to Jesus, and we are stewards of His mission.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Christ as the Center: The church's foundation is Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God and the creator of all things. Our identity and mission are rooted in Him, and without His presence, the church loses its essence. [22:46]
- 2. The Essence of Worship: Early Christian worship was revolutionary, including Jesus in the devotion traditionally reserved for God. This highlights the importance of recognizing Christ's divinity and centrality in our worship today. [31:32]
- 3. The Church's Purpose: The church exists because of Jesus' death and resurrection. Our purpose is to glorify Him and live out His teachings, making Him known to the world. Without Christ, there is no reconciliation with God or hope beyond this life. [35:53]
- 4. Stewardship and Service: As stewards of Christ's mission, we are called to serve with humility and recognize that the church belongs to Jesus. Our ministries and community life should reflect our devotion to Him. [38:40]
- 5. Faithfulness Over Success: Jesus calls us to be faithful, not necessarily successful. Our focus should be on being faithful stewards of the gospel, trusting that God will bring growth and transformation in His time. [50:32]
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