Empowered by the Spirit: The Mission of the Church
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, we gathered to celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit and the joy of being in God's house. We also shared some personal updates, including the birth of my second grandchild, Madeline Faye Hanley. As we continue our journey through the book of Acts in our series "Called Out," we focused on the early church's formation and its mission. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18 that He would build His church and nothing would stop it. This promise has held true for over 2,000 years, starting from Pentecost and continuing with us, the called-out ones, the Ecclesia.
The early church faced many challenges, including persecution, but they remained steadfast in their mission to spread the gospel. They understood that their purpose was not just to gather on Sundays but to go out and be witnesses for Jesus every day. This mission is not just for pastors or church leaders; it is for all of us. We are all called to reconcile lost people to God.
In Acts 6, we see the birth of the deacon ministry. The early church needed organization to handle the growing number of disciples and the needs of the congregation. The apostles appointed seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to serve as deacons. These men were tasked with caring for the needs of the people, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. This model of shared leadership is essential for a healthy church.
We also discussed the importance of baptism and the Lord's Supper, the two ordinances given to the church. Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper, or communion, is a time to remember Christ's sacrifice and proclaim His death until He comes again.
As we concluded, we took communion together, reflecting on the great love and sacrifice of Jesus. We also extended an invitation for those who have not yet accepted Christ to do so today. The church is not just a building; it is a community of believers driven by the gospel, committed to living out God's mission every day.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Unstoppable Church: Jesus promised that He would build His church and nothing would stop it (Matthew 16:18). This promise has held true for over 2,000 years, starting from Pentecost and continuing with us today. The church is a community of believers called out from the world for a specific purpose, to spread the gospel and live out God's mission. [37:23]
2. Shared Leadership: The early church faced challenges that required organization and shared leadership. The apostles appointed seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to serve as deacons. This model of shared leadership is essential for a healthy church, allowing leaders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word while others care for the congregation's needs. [47:26]
3. The Mission of Every Believer: The mission to reconcile lost people to God is not just for pastors or church leaders; it is for all of us. We are all called to be witnesses for Jesus every day, not just on Sundays. This mission requires us to live out our faith boldly, even in the face of persecution or challenges. [43:04]
4. The Importance of Baptism and Communion: Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience that should follow salvation. The Lord's Supper, or communion, is a time to remember Christ's sacrifice and proclaim His death until He comes again. These ordinances are vital practices for the church. [01:07:16]
5. Living Out the Gospel: The early church was characterized by their commitment to prayer, caring for one another, and sharing the gospel. They understood that they were made for more than just earthly concerns; they were made for heaven. This same commitment should drive us today, motivating us to live out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. [44:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:41] - Invitation to Join In-Person Service
[35:58] - Fellowship and Community
[37:23] - Introduction to the Book of Acts
[38:46] - The Meaning of Ecclesia
[40:15] - The Mandate, Mission, and Ministry of the Church
[41:31] - The Role of the Early Church
[43:04] - The Mission to Reconcile Lost People
[44:30] - Living with Reckless Abandon
[47:26] - The Birth of the Deacon Ministry
[50:17] - The Role of Pastors and Deacons
[53:07] - The Meaning of Deacon
[56:01] - The Need for Organization in the Church
[57:33] - The Bold Witness of Deacon Stephen
[58:12] - The Persecution of the Early Church
[01:00:13] - The Spread of the Gospel
[01:02:07] - The Importance of Baptism
[01:07:16] - The Ordinances of Baptism and Communion
[01:10:47] - Taking Communion Together
[01:12:10] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:14:40] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Join the Church
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
2. Acts 6:1-7 - The birth of the deacon ministry and the appointment of seven men to serve the needs of the congregation.
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Instructions on the Lord's Supper.
#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did Jesus make about His church in Matthew 16:18? How has this promise been evident throughout history? [37:23]
2. In Acts 6:1-7, why were the seven men chosen, and what were their qualifications? [47:26]
3. According to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the two elements of the Lord's Supper, and what do they symbolize? [01:07:16]
4. What was the early church's response to the needs of the widows, and how did they address the issue of neglect? [48:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Matthew 16:18 provide encouragement to the church today, especially in times of persecution or challenge? [37:23]
2. What does the appointment of deacons in Acts 6:1-7 teach us about the importance of shared leadership in the church? [47:26]
3. How do the practices of baptism and the Lord's Supper serve as public declarations of faith and commitment to Jesus? [01:07:16]
4. What can we learn from the early church's commitment to prayer, caring for one another, and sharing the gospel? How can these practices be applied in our church today? [44:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus promised that nothing would stop His church (Matthew 16:18). How can this promise encourage you in your personal faith journey, especially when facing difficulties? [37:23]
2. The early church appointed deacons to help with the needs of the congregation. How can you contribute to meeting the needs of others in your church community? Are there specific areas where you feel called to serve? [47:26]
3. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share your testimony with others to encourage them in their faith journey? [01:02:48]
4. The Lord's Supper is a time to remember Christ's sacrifice. How can you prepare your heart and mind to participate in communion meaningfully? What steps can you take to ensure that this practice remains a significant part of your spiritual life? [01:07:16]
5. The early church was committed to living out the gospel daily. What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with someone in your life? How can you live out your faith boldly, even in the face of challenges? [43:04]
6. Reflect on the importance of prayer, caring for one another, and sharing the gospel as seen in the early church. How can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine? Are there specific people or situations you feel led to pray for or help? [44:30]
7. The early church understood that they were made for more than just earthly concerns. How can you shift your focus from temporary, worldly matters to eternal, heavenly ones? What changes can you make in your life to prioritize God's mission? [44:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unstoppable Church
The church is a community of believers called out from the world for a specific purpose, to spread the gospel and live out God's mission. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18 that He would build His church and nothing would stop it. This promise has held true for over 2,000 years, starting from Pentecost and continuing with us today. The early church faced many challenges, including persecution, but they remained steadfast in their mission to spread the gospel. They understood that their purpose was not just to gather on Sundays but to go out and be witnesses for Jesus every day. This mission is not just for pastors or church leaders; it is for all of us. We are all called to reconcile lost people to God. [37:23]
Matthew 16:18 (ESV): "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the mission of the church this week, beyond just attending Sunday service?
Day 2: Shared Leadership
The early church faced challenges that required organization and shared leadership. The apostles appointed seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to serve as deacons. This model of shared leadership is essential for a healthy church, allowing leaders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word while others care for the congregation's needs. This approach ensures that the church can effectively meet the spiritual and practical needs of its members. Shared leadership also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among all believers, encouraging everyone to use their gifts for the common good. [47:26]
Acts 6:3-4 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Reflection: In what ways can you support the leaders in your church, and how can you use your gifts to serve the congregation?
Day 3: The Mission of Every Believer
The mission to reconcile lost people to God is not just for pastors or church leaders; it is for all of us. We are all called to be witnesses for Jesus every day, not just on Sundays. This mission requires us to live out our faith boldly, even in the face of persecution or challenges. The early church understood this and lived with a sense of urgency and purpose. They were committed to spreading the gospel and making disciples, regardless of the cost. As modern-day believers, we are called to the same mission, to be ambassadors for Christ in our daily lives. [43:04]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation, and how can you share the love of Christ with them today?
Day 4: The Importance of Baptism and Communion
Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience that should follow salvation. The Lord's Supper, or communion, is a time to remember Christ's sacrifice and proclaim His death until He comes again. These ordinances are vital practices for the church, serving as reminders of our faith and the foundation of our salvation. They help us to stay connected to the core of the gospel and to live in a way that honors Christ's sacrifice. [01:07:16]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Have you been baptized as a public declaration of your faith? If not, what steps can you take to follow this command? If you have, how can you more deeply appreciate the significance of communion?
Day 5: Living Out the Gospel
The early church was characterized by their commitment to prayer, caring for one another, and sharing the gospel. They understood that they were made for more than just earthly concerns; they were made for heaven. This same commitment should drive us today, motivating us to live out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. We are called to be a light in the world, to show the love of Christ through our actions and words. Living out the gospel means being intentional about our faith, seeking opportunities to serve others, and being bold in our witness for Christ. [44:30]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out the gospel in your daily life this week, and how can you set your mind on things above?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Think about that. The gates of hell won't stop it. Nothing will stop. The church. Uh, and there's been all kinds of things through the years that have tried to stop the church. And it's never been done because Christ said, I will build my church and nothing's going to stop it. And 2000 years later, he continues to build his church." [38:46] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I honestly don't know a sweeter name than Jesus. And, uh, an old Pentecostal evangelist and songwriter wrote it like this. There have been names I love to hear, but never has there been a name so dear to this heart of mine as this name divine, this precious, precious name of Jesus. Jesus is the sweetest name I know." [40:15] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want us here at Grace Chapel to be a church who understands that we gather together by the grace of God. We've been called out of darkness, out of the darkness of this world and into his marvelous light and church. We are to be driven by the gospel, the gospel." [46:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I challenge you that if that excites you, go bring somebody to God's house, amen? Go witness, go tell people about Jesus. Bring them in to the house so that we can rejoice at what God is doing. And so the church was intended to be like this." [01:02:07] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to tell you that all of us can preach Jesus to each other today. We can preach Jesus crucified for our sins and yet raised on the third day, coming back for us one day." [01:08:55] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The church didn't grow so that they could gather together on Sunday morning and sit in some padded chairs and just hear a little message and then go out the rest of the week and do the same thing that they've been doing every other day. No, no, no. This was the pep rally. And it was to get them encouraged and to share the word with them so that people would go outside the walls and go out and share the gospel with a lost and dying world." [43:04] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "They were willing to stand up and speak up for, to the very people who could throw them in jail, to the people who could have them flogged or even killed. But they said, we will not stop preaching Jesus crucified and risen again. And he loves you. And if you'll repent and trust in him, he will save you. That's what the church was doing every day. Not just Sundays. They were doing it every day." [44:30] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The church was never intended for there to be one man to lead and be in charge of everything. That's an unhealthy church. And so this morning we get to the passage of the deacon ministry and look at it with me in chapter six, verse one. It says this now at the time, while the disciples were increasing in number, the church keeps growing. Okay. And it says a complaint arose." [47:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Leadership is, is not easy in the church. They sometimes get criticized along, uh, side of, uh, side of the church. And so I just want you to understand leadership is, is not easy with me, but they will only stand in the gap. And I'm thankful to tell you that we have some men of prayer and men who care, uh, to try to help meet the needs of people in our church." [53:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want us to personalize it. A little bit today. Are you doing what Jesus intended for the church to do? Are you doing that? Not is the church doing it? Am I doing it? Am I doing it? Are you a part of the ministry? Where are you when it comes to the mandate that he gave us? What about the mission?" [01:13:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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