Embodied Gospel: The Church as God's Kingdom
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of the church as a representation of the Gospel. The church is not just a building or a gathering of people, but a living, breathing embodiment of God's kingdom on earth. It is a place where God's spirit dwells and moves, and where people can experience a taste of who God is. As members of the church, we are called to be ambassadors of God's kingdom, representing Christ in our everyday lives. We are also called to care for our neighbors and to be intentional in fostering the growth of those around us.
The sermon also emphasized the importance of unity in the church. As followers of Jesus, we are not only restored into a relationship with God, but also with each other. We are called to be a community that is shaped by the Gospel, displaying who God is to the world. The church is described as a temple, a building in which God's presence dwells. It is a global, universal entity, made up of people from every tribe and nation. As members of the church, we are described as citizens of God's kingdom, a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's possession.
Key takeaways from the sermon include:
- The church is not just a gathering of people, but a living embodiment of God's kingdom on earth. It is a place where God's spirit dwells and moves ([43:46]).
- As members of the church, we are called to be ambassadors of God's kingdom, representing Christ in our everyday lives ([45:01]).
- The church is a global, universal entity, made up of people from every tribe and nation. As members of the church, we are described as citizens of God's kingdom, a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's possession ([10:09]).
- The church is founded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, united by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and is called to display the gospel ([10:47]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4 - The Unity of the Body of Christ (#!!25:13!!#)
2. Ephesians 3:20-21 - Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (#!!50:33!!#)
Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 4, what does it mean to be united in the body of Christ?
2. How does Ephesians 3:20-21 describe the power and glory of God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the unity of the body of Christ as described in Ephesians 4 relate to the concept of the church being united by the gospel?
2. What does Ephesians 3:20-21 imply about the potential of the church and its role in God's plan?
Application Questions:
1. How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in your local church community?
2. In what ways can you demonstrate the power and glory of God as described in Ephesians 3:20-21 in your daily life?
3. Can you think of a time when you experienced the unity of the body of Christ? How did it impact your faith?
4. How can you actively participate in God's plan for the church as described in Ephesians 3:20-21?
5. What is one way you can help make the gospel visible in your community this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as the Gospel Made Visible
The Church is not just a gathering of believers, but a living, breathing manifestation of the Gospel. As we come together, we form a dwelling place for God's Spirit, a place where His presence is felt and His voice is heard. This unity and togetherness in Christ is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, making us ambassadors of God's kingdom on Earth ([43:07]).
Ephesians 2:19-22 - "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. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a more visible representation of the Gospel in your community?
Day 2: Creating a Culture of Discipleship
Our aim as a church is to create a culture of discipleship, where every action and interaction is centered around growing in Christ-likeness. This is not just about personal growth, but about growing together, being shaped by the Word and the Spirit into a community that reflects Jesus ([25:37]).
2 Timothy 2:2 - "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: How can you foster a culture of discipleship in your personal relationships and interactions within the church?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline, but a powerful tool that God has given us to communicate with Him and to seek His guidance and strength. It is through prayer that we can truly experience the power of God's Spirit working in us and through us ([53:25]).
James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily life and into the life of your church community?
Day 4: Unity in the Body of Christ
Unity in the church is not just about getting along, but about coming together as one body under Christ, our head. This unity is a testament to the power of the Gospel, which breaks down barriers and brings us together in love and mutual edification ([35:58]).
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community?
Day 5: Humility in the Body of Christ
Humility is a key characteristic of a healthy church community. Recognizing our own weaknesses and the strengths of others allows us to work together more effectively, each contributing our unique gifts for the edification of the body ([37:08]).
Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your interactions with others in your church community?
Quotes
1. "As we transition back into this fall season of life, we regularly want to take this moment to remind ourselves of what God's called us into. That's the whole purpose of this series called we are the church. It's an opportunity for us to just step back for a moment and be like God, what are we called into? What is our vision? What's our purpose as a local church here in Philadelphia?" - 01:56
2. "We are a church measuring ourselves in Christ's likeness. Our vision is we are aiming to create a culture of discipleship and continue the legacy of Jesus. May we keep our discipleship to Jesus at the forefront. So when we serve, can we consider how is our serving together allow us to continue to grow in Christ likeness?" - 25:37
3. "The church is United by the gospel. God doesn't call us into Christ's likeness on our own but by his grace he allows us to do that alongside other believers. If we're a son or daughter of God, we're also a brother and sister to others in Christ." - 28:01
4. "The church is the Gospel made visible. The church is a display of his kingdom. As we're being built together, it's a process that takes time and it's a lot of work but as we lean into Christ as the foundation, into our togetherness as followers of Jesus in our discipleship to him, we would be a place where God dwells." - 43:07
5. "Unity is hard, it's hard work. It can't be done in our own power, it truly is a spirit of God in us that allows that to happen. Satan's primary attack is to break up the unity of the church. But by God's grace and his power, Unity is possible. The spirit is more powerful than our enemy and we get to walk in it." - 35:58
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