The Church: A Living Body of Christ in Action

Devotional

Day 1: Mission Beyond Ourselves

The essence of the church is not confined to its physical structure or the services it provides; it is the embodiment of Christ's mission on earth. As believers, the call to serve is not just a suggestion but a mandate that extends beyond personal comfort and convenience. The church is a community where sacrificial giving is not just about money but about time, energy, and resources. This legacy offering is an opportunity to put faith into action, supporting missions that reach both local and global communities. It is a practical demonstration of love, a love that does not merely speak but acts, a love that meets needs and shares the hope of the gospel with a world in desperate need of it [50:04].

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV

Reflection: How can you contribute to the church's mission in a way that stretches beyond your current level of comfort?

Day 2: Embracing Imperfection in Community

The church is a sanctuary for the broken, a place where imperfection is not only expected but welcomed. It is here that individuals from all walks of life come together, united by their shared need for grace and their desire to grow in Christlikeness. This journey is not a solitary one; it is a collective experience where each person's struggles and victories contribute to the story of God's redeeming work. The acknowledgment of our imperfections allows for a genuine community where masks are unnecessary, and transformation is possible through the love and support of fellow believers [51:24].

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV

Reflection: What imperfection can you bring into the light of your church community to allow for healing and growth?

Day 3: The Necessity of Church Participation

The church is not an optional accessory to the Christian life; it is its very heartbeat. Just as a coal cannot maintain its warmth and glow apart from the fire, a believer cannot sustain their spiritual fervor outside the community of faith. The weekly gatherings are not a mere ritual but a source of strength, encouragement, and connection. They equip believers to face life's challenges with resilience and provide a space where faith is not only nurtured but also shared and multiplied [01:02:38].

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Reflection: How does your regular participation in church gatherings strengthen your personal faith journey?

Day 4: The Church as Christ's Earthly Body

The church transcends human institutions and denominational boundaries; it is the living, active body of Christ on earth. As members of this body, believers are called to be the hands that serve, the eyes that see need, and the mouth that speaks truth and love. The church's role is not to be a passive observer but an active participant in God's redemptive plan. Through the church, individuals encounter the presence of Jesus, often in the most unexpected places and through the most unexpected people [01:04:05].

"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." - 1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you be the hands, eyes, or mouth of Jesus to someone in your community this week?

Day 5: The Church's Enduring Relevance

Contrary to the narrative of decline, the church is not only surviving; it is thriving. With millions of congregations worldwide, the church stands as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of the gospel. It is a beacon of hope and a vessel of salvation, continually expanding and impacting lives. The growth of the church across the globe is a clear indication that God's work is far from finished, and as believers, we are invited to be part of this exciting and transformative movement [01:06:57].

"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." - Matthew 16:18 ESV

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the growth and impact of your local church community?

Sermon Summary

In the heart of our faith lies the understanding that the church is not a mere building, event, or service provider, but the living, breathing body of Christ. As we gather, we are reminded that our purpose extends beyond our individual needs and desires. We are called to serve, to give sacrificially, and to show a hurting world the love of God. Our upcoming legacy offering is a testament to this mission, as we prepare to support various missions locally and globally, demonstrating the tangible love of Christ through our actions.

The church is also a place where imperfection is acknowledged and embraced. We are all in the process of becoming more like Christ, and it is through our collective imperfections that God's grace shines brightest. The church is not a gathering of perfect people, but a community where everyone is welcome, needed, and transformed by the love of Jesus.

Moreover, the church is not optional. It is a vital part of a believer's life, much like a coal that remains ablaze only when it is part of the fire. Our weekly gatherings are a source of warmth and strength, equipping us to face the challenges of life with the support of our faith community.

The church is also not a man-made institution. It is the body of Christ, and as such, it transcends denominational lines and human constructs. We are the hands, eyes, and mouth of Jesus, reaching out to a world in need, sometimes being the only glimpse of Jesus that people see.

Lastly, the church is far from irrelevant or dying. It is thriving and growing, with millions of churches worldwide. The church is God's chosen instrument to bring His kingdom to earth, and we are part of this global movement that continues to expand and impact lives for Christ.

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 16:18, who is responsible for building the church, and what promise is given about its endurance?
In Ephesians 5:25, how is the relationship between Christ and the church described, and what did Christ do for the church?
What responsibilities are given to church leaders in Acts 20:28, and what is the significance of the church being "bought with his own blood"?
The sermon mentioned that the church is not a building but the body of Christ. How does this align with the passages we read? [46:24]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean for the church to be the "body of Christ" and how does this impact our understanding of church community? [46:24]
How does acknowledging our imperfections within the church help us grow towards Christlikeness? [50:47]
Why is it important to view participation in the church as essential rather than optional? How does this perspective affect our spiritual growth? [58:02]
How can we embody the mission-focused nature of the church in our daily lives, especially in light of the upcoming legacy offering? [49:26]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current involvement in the church. How can you contribute more actively to the mission-focused community described in the sermon? [49:26]
Think about a time when you felt imperfect or broken. How did the church community support you, and how can you offer similar support to others? [50:47]
How do you prioritize church participation in your weekly routine? What changes can you make to ensure that church remains a vital part of your life? [58:02]
In what ways can you demonstrate the love of Christ to those around you, especially those who may only see Jesus through your actions? [01:04:05]
The sermon emphasized that the church is not a man-made institution but the embodiment of Christ. How does this understanding influence your view of denominational differences? [01:03:21]
How can you help counter the narrative that the church is irrelevant or dying, both in your personal conversations and through your actions? [01:06:57]
Identify one specific way you can participate in the upcoming legacy offering or another church mission. How will this action help you live out the church's mission to serve and show God's love? [49:26]

Sermon Clips

1) "The church is not a building, we are the church. That would be like you taking a selfie and then posting it saying, 'that's my family.' No, that's you. The church is God's people." [47:07] (Download | )

2) "The church is not an event. Talking about church as though it's an event frees us up to attend occasionally rather than integrating our life into Church Life." [47:52] (Download | )

3) "The church is not a service center... the church isn't a location where we go to get our hunger pain satisfied for the week." [48:39] (Download | )

4) "The church is a gathering of those who follow Jesus on a mission to set aside their wants, their needs, in order to sacrificially serve and show a hurting world that God loves them." [49:26] (Download | )

5) "The church is not a place for perfect people. Welcome to the body of Christ. If we only allowed perfect people in here, some of us wouldn't make it today." [50:47] (Download | )

6) "The church is not optional. If your kids wake up on a Sunday morning and say, 'Are we going to church today?' you've taught them that church is an option. It's not optional." [58:02] (Download | )

7) "The church is Christ's body, by which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. You are his mouth, you are his eyes, you are his hands." [01:04:05] (Download | )

8) "The global Church, the big 'C' of which we're a part of, is God's choice to bring his kingdom to Earth. He chose it when he sent his son Jesus, and Jesus purchased the church." [56:43] (Download | Download cropped video)

9) "Jesus shed his blood for the church. It's not just something that comes in; he shed his blood for the global church and Jesus died for the church." [59:20] (Download | )

10) "If you really love Jesus, you would love what he values, and he values the church and he values you." [01:01:16] (Download | )

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