Embracing Christ's Love for His Church
Summary
In today's exploration of the church, we delved into the profound question, "Who Loves the Church?" In our contemporary culture, many express disenchantment with the institutional church, feeling let down by unmet expectations. However, amidst this disillusionment, we find solace in the unwavering truth that Christ loves the church. If we belong to Christ, we cannot despise what He cherishes so deeply. Our journey today sought to uncover the essence of the church, its composition, vocation, and mission.
Often, when we think of the church, we envision a building. Yet, the church is fundamentally people, not structures. The Old Testament emphasized the significance of sacred spaces like the Tabernacle and the Temple, meticulously designed by divine command. These buildings symbolized the sacred, setting apart the holy from the secular. However, Jesus taught that God is not confined to buildings; His presence transcends defined boundaries. Despite this, humanity's innate desire to connect with the holy persists, leading us to create sacred spaces.
The church, derived from the Greek word "ekklesia," signifies those called out by God. It is a community summoned to worship, to leave behind the mundane and enter the sacred. This calling is not just a gathering but a divine vocation, a destiny to be holy as God is holy. The church is also known as the bride of Christ, a metaphor deeply rooted in the Old Testament. This imagery highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where Christ, the bridegroom, paid the ultimate price for His bride with His own blood. Despite the church's imperfections, Christ's love purifies and prepares His bride for the final wedding feast in heaven.
Key Takeaways:
1. Christ's Unwavering Love for the Church: Despite widespread disenchantment with the institutional church, Christ's love for His church remains steadfast. This love calls us to align our hearts with His, cherishing what He cherishes and committing to the church's mission and purpose. [00:43]
2. The Church as People, Not Buildings: While sacred spaces hold historical and symbolic significance, the true essence of the church lies in its people. We are called to be a living, breathing community that embodies the presence of God in the world, transcending physical structures. [03:23]
3. The Sacred and the Secular: Humanity's desire to connect with the holy is universal, leading to the creation of sacred spaces. However, Jesus reminds us that God's presence is not limited to these spaces, urging us to recognize His presence in every aspect of life. [09:32]
4. The Church's Divine Calling: The term "ekklesia" emphasizes the church's role as those called out by God. This calling is a sacred vocation, inviting us to leave behind the ordinary and enter into a life of worship and holiness, reflecting God's character. [15:12]
5. The Bride of Christ: The church is the bride of Christ, purchased at the highest price—His own blood. Despite our imperfections, Christ's love purifies and prepares us for the ultimate union with Him, highlighting the depth of His commitment and grace. [27:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:43] - Disenchantment with the Church
- [01:41] - What is the Church?
- [02:31] - Sacred Spaces and Protocols
- [03:23] - The Church as People
- [04:09] - Old Testament Significance of Buildings
- [05:02] - Modern Church Architecture
- [05:50] - Sacred Buildings Across Cultures
- [06:36] - Humanity's Hunger for the Holy
- [07:31] - The Secular and the Sacred
- [08:43] - Jesus' Teaching on Worship
- [09:32] - God's Presence Beyond Buildings
- [10:37] - Personal Sacred Spaces
- [13:02] - Ekklesia: Called Out by God
- [15:12] - The Church's Divine Summons
- [17:08] - The Church's Vocation and Destiny
- [21:07] - The Church as the Bride of Christ
- [27:18] - Christ's Sacrificial Love for His Bride
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Who Loves the Church?"
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 5:25-27 - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
2. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
3. John 4:21-24 - Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman about worshiping in spirit and truth.
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the primary reason Christ loves the church, despite its imperfections? [27:18]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the sacred and the secular, and what role do sacred spaces play in this distinction? [07:31]
3. What is the significance of the term "ekklesia" as explained in the sermon, and how does it relate to the church's calling? [15:12]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of the church as the bride of Christ using Old Testament imagery? [21:07]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Ephesians 5:25-27 illustrate Christ's love for the church, and how does this love purify and prepare the church for the final union with Him? [27:18]
2. How does the concept of being "called out" in 1 Peter 2:9 relate to the church's mission and identity as described in the sermon? [15:12]
3. What does Jesus' teaching in John 4:21-24 reveal about the nature of true worship, and how does this challenge traditional views of sacred spaces? [09:32]
4. How does the metaphor of the church as the bride of Christ deepen our understanding of the covenantal relationship between Christ and the church? [21:07]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disenchanted with the church. How can Christ's unwavering love for the church help you reconcile those feelings? [00:43]
2. In what ways can you contribute to the church as a living, breathing community that embodies God's presence, rather than focusing on physical structures? [03:23]
3. How can you recognize and honor God's presence in your daily life, beyond traditional sacred spaces? What practical steps can you take to worship in spirit and truth? [09:32]
4. Consider your personal calling as part of the "ekklesia." How can you live out this divine vocation in your everyday actions and decisions? [15:12]
5. How does understanding the church as the bride of Christ influence your commitment to the church's mission and purpose? What specific actions can you take to align your heart with Christ's love for the church? [27:18]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can better reflect the holiness and character of God. What changes can you make to pursue this calling more faithfully? [17:08]
7. Think of a person in your life who may feel disconnected from the church. How can you reach out to them and share the message of Christ's love for His church? [00:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Enduring Love for His Church
Christ's love for the church is unwavering, even amidst widespread disenchantment with institutional religion. Many people today feel let down by the church due to unmet expectations, but Christ's love remains steadfast. This love calls believers to align their hearts with His, cherishing what He cherishes and committing to the church's mission and purpose. Understanding that Christ loves the church deeply, despite its imperfections, encourages us to view the church through His eyes and to participate actively in its mission. [00:43]
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in your church's mission this week, reflecting Christ's love for His church?
Day 2: The Church as a Living Community
The essence of the church is not found in buildings or structures but in its people. While sacred spaces hold historical and symbolic significance, the true church is a living, breathing community that embodies the presence of God in the world. This understanding calls us to transcend physical structures and focus on building relationships and community that reflect God's love and presence. The church is a gathering of people called out by God to worship and serve, emphasizing the importance of community over physical spaces. [03:23]
1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 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."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a stronger sense of community within your church, focusing on relationships rather than physical spaces?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Presence Everywhere
Humanity's desire to connect with the holy often leads to the creation of sacred spaces. However, Jesus taught that God's presence is not limited to these spaces, urging us to recognize His presence in every aspect of life. This understanding challenges us to see the sacred in the secular, acknowledging that God's presence transcends defined boundaries. By recognizing God's presence in our daily lives, we can live with a greater awareness of His work in and around us, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for worship and connection with the divine. [09:32]
Acts 17:24-25 (ESV): "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."
Reflection: What is one ordinary aspect of your daily life where you can intentionally recognize and acknowledge God's presence today?
Day 4: Embracing the Church's Divine Calling
The term "ekklesia" emphasizes the church's role as those called out by God. This calling is a sacred vocation, inviting believers to leave behind the ordinary and enter into a life of worship and holiness, reflecting God's character. The church is not just a gathering but a community summoned to embody God's holiness and love in the world. Embracing this divine calling involves living a life that reflects God's character, participating in His mission, and being a light to the world. [15:12]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can more fully embrace your calling to reflect God's holiness and love?
Day 5: The Church as the Bride of Christ
The church is described as the bride of Christ, purchased at the highest price—His own blood. Despite its imperfections, Christ's love purifies and prepares the church for the ultimate union with Him. This metaphor highlights the depth of Christ's commitment and grace, calling believers to live in a way that honors this profound relationship. Understanding the church as the bride of Christ encourages us to live with a sense of anticipation and preparation for the final wedding feast in heaven, where we will be united with Christ in perfect love. [27:18]
Revelation 19:7-8 (ESV): "Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints."
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects your identity as part of the bride of Christ, preparing for the ultimate union with Him?
Quotes
"Recently, I heard a minister give a sermon that was somewhat unusual. The title of the sermon was simply a question, “Who Loves the Church?” And it was a poignant experience for me to listen to that sermon because I realize that in this day and age, in our culture and in our nation, there are many people who have expressed a serious disenchantment with the visible church, with the institutional church, and many people feel that somehow in these days the church has let them down and the church has not met their expectations." [00:07:12]
"But if no one of us loves the church, we know with certainty that Christ loves the church. And indeed, if we are of Christ, we can’t possibly despise what is so lovable to Him. And what I want to do in this brief series on the church is explore the question, basically, what is the church? What is the church comprised of? What is the church’s vocation? What is the church’s mission?" [00:01:18]
"I thought, isn’t it strange that religions of all sorts, of all places in this world, all have their sacred sites, their holy places? And we, again, we think of the church, so often, as a building, as a structure, as a place where people come and gather for worship and for religious activities. Well, let’s think about that for just a second. I think we will discover very soon that through our study of Scripture that in the first instance, the church is people; it’s not a building." [00:03:13]
"Yet even in the Scriptures, the church building, at least in the Old Testament was very important to the religion of Israel. If you recall, the Tabernacle was built by the expressed, detailed provisions and commandments of God. The articles that were placed in that building were crafted by men who were uniquely endowed – charismatically endowed, if you will – by the Holy Spirit to perform their tasks." [00:04:00]
"Again, according to the anthropologists, they say that there is an insatiable hunger that is in the heart of every human being, somehow, somewhere, sometime in this world to make contact with the holy. And all religions in all cultures throughout the world have their individual examples of what we call, technically, . Now that’s probably a word that most of you’ve never heard in your life." [00:06:36]
"Now, we have to be extremely careful with that because we remember Jesus’ teaching to the woman of Samaria, how she wanted to engage Jesus in a theological dispute about the proper place of worshiping God. “Is God in this mountain?” she said, pointing to Gerizim, “or is He residing in Jerusalem?” And Jesus had to free this woman of her narrow conception of the localization of God." [00:09:32]
"And she had to instruct her that God is never contained in buildings made by hands, that God cannot be captured within defined boundaries, that God’s presence is as much in the secular realm as it is in what we call the sacred realm. But in spite of that warning that we have from Jesus, we cannot ignore how basic it is to our humanity that for each person among us there is a desire to set apart certain times, certain places for special significance and holiness." [00:09:52]
"But as I said, the church isn’t a building; the church is people. The word for “church” that we find in the Bible comes from the Greek word ekklesia (put it here in—ekklesia). We get the English word “ecclesiastical” from it, but this simple word, which is the Greek word for “church,” is built upon a root with a prefix. This “ekklesia,” or “ek” up here, comes from the Greek word “ex” or “ecs,” which means what?" [00:13:37]
"The ekklesia are those who have been called by God out of the world. The church are those people whom God has given a divine summons, a sacred vocation or calling by which He has commanded them to cross that line that I was mentioning, to tread into the inner sanctum, to cross the threshold into the area of the holy." [00:15:19]
"This was symbolized and illustrated in Israelite worship in the Old Testament, for when the people were summoned by God to gather for corporate worship, so often this occasion was signaled by the blowing of the shofar, or the ram’s horn. That was a signal, like a bugle call, to the people that the – now, the time has come, the moment is here that you are to leave your daily tasks, you are to leave your commonplace activities, and assemble now in the presence of God." [00:16:10]
"Now that leads me, in the time that I have left in this session to one of the most important images that we have for the church in the Bible. And that is, the church is called the bride of Christ – the bride of Christ. What a fascinating figure or metaphor, isn’t it? Obviously, the roots of that idea are found deeply established in the Old Testament, where when God takes a people to Himself, He makes a vow." [00:21:07]
"Now I just take that little track for this reason: we have to understand that concept if we’re to understand the image of the church as the bride of Christ because the reason, the primary reason why the church is called the bride of Christ, beloved, is because Jesus purchased His bride. He paid the ultimate bridal price, with nothing less than His own blood." [00:27:09]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 18, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?