The Divine Nature and Purpose of the Church
Summary
In this gathering, we reflect on the profound nature of the Christian Church, as depicted in the New Testament. The Church is not merely a human institution but a divine creation, born out of the Apostolic preaching and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church's foundation is the truth of the Gospel, and it is essential to understand this truth to grasp the Church's true nature. Many today are confused about what the Church is, leading to a misunderstanding of its purpose and significance. This confusion is partly due to the neglect of the doctrine of the Church, which has resulted in a lack of clarity about its role and identity.
The Church came into being through the preaching of the Apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This preaching was not just a declaration of facts but a demonstration of the Spirit's power. The Church is a body of people who have undergone a profound transformation, having been convicted of their sin and reborn through the Spirit. This transformation is essential for true church membership, as it signifies a new life centered on Christ.
The early Church was characterized by a deep commitment to the Apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements are crucial for the Church's life and growth. The teaching of the Apostles is foundational, as it provides the truth that guides and sustains the Church. Fellowship, while important, must be grounded in this truth to be genuine and meaningful.
Moreover, the Church is called to be a joyful and praising community. The joy and gladness of the early Christians were evident to all and served as a powerful witness to the world. This joy is not superficial but rooted in the deep assurance of God's love and salvation. It is this joy that attracts others to the Church and demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The Church is a divine creation, born out of the Apostolic preaching and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is essential to understand the Church's true nature to grasp its purpose and significance. The Church is not just a human institution but a unique body of believers transformed by the Gospel. [05:51]
- True church membership involves a profound transformation, marked by conviction of sin and rebirth through the Spirit. This transformation signifies a new life centered on Christ, which is essential for genuine church membership. [12:12]
- The early Church was characterized by a deep commitment to the Apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements are crucial for the Church's life and growth, with the Apostles' teaching providing the foundational truth that guides and sustains the Church. [20:03]
- Fellowship within the Church must be grounded in the truth of the Gospel to be genuine and meaningful. While fellowship is important, it should not take precedence over the teaching of the Apostles, which is foundational for the Church's unity and mission. [25:28]
- The Church is called to be a joyful and praising community, with joy rooted in the deep assurance of God's love and salvation. This joy serves as a powerful witness to the world, attracting others to the Church and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. [50:12]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to the Occasion
[00:42] - The Mystery of the Ministerial Calling
[01:45] - The Nature of the Christian Church
[03:31] - Confusion About the Church's Nature
[05:51] - The Birth of the Church at Pentecost
[08:01] - The Role of Apostolic Preaching
[10:08] - The Need for the Holy Spirit's Power
[12:12] - True Church Membership
[16:20] - Conviction and Repentance
[20:03] - Characteristics of the Early Church
[25:28] - The Primacy of Apostolic Teaching
[30:16] - Testing Teachings and Doctrines
[35:32] - The Importance of Knowledge
[41:02] - The Joyful and Praising Church
[50:12] - The Church's Witness to the World
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1-4
2. Acts 2:37-42
3. Ephesians 2:19-22
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant event in Acts 2 marked the birth of the Church, and how did it demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit? ([06:49])
2. According to the sermon, what were the key characteristics of the early Church as described in Acts 2:42? ([20:03])
3. How does the sermon describe the transformation that individuals undergo to become true members of the Church? ([12:12])
4. What role did Apostolic teaching play in the life of the early Church, and why was it considered foundational? ([25:28])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the importance of the Holy Spirit's power in the formation and growth of the Church? Why is this power essential beyond just the preaching of truth? ([10:08])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early Church's joy and gladness served as a witness to the world? How might this apply to the Church today? ([50:12])
3. The sermon emphasizes the need for conviction of sin before one can truly become a Christian. Why is this conviction necessary, and how does it relate to the concept of rebirth? ([13:22])
4. How does the sermon address the modern confusion about the Church's nature and purpose? What solutions does it propose to clarify this confusion? ([03:31])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of the Church's nature. How has this sermon challenged or reinforced your views? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Church's true purpose? ([03:31])
2. The sermon highlights the importance of joy and gladness in the Church. How can you cultivate a spirit of joy in your own life that serves as a witness to others? ([50:12])
3. Consider your own experience of transformation and rebirth. How has your life changed since becoming a member of the Church? Are there areas where you still seek transformation? ([12:12])
4. The sermon stresses the importance of Apostolic teaching. How can you prioritize learning and understanding biblical doctrine in your daily life? What resources or practices might help you in this pursuit? ([25:28])
5. Fellowship is described as being grounded in the truth of the Gospel. How can you ensure that your interactions within the Church are meaningful and rooted in this truth? ([25:28])
6. The sermon mentions the need for conviction of sin. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted. How did it lead to change in your life, and how can you remain open to such convictions in the future? ([13:22])
7. How can you contribute to making your church a joyful and praising community that attracts others? What specific actions can you take to foster this environment? ([50:12])
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Divine Creation
The Church is not merely a human institution but a divine creation, born out of the Apostolic preaching and the power of the Holy Spirit. Understanding the Church's true nature is essential to grasp its purpose and significance. The Church is a unique body of believers transformed by the Gospel, and this transformation is what sets it apart from any other organization. Many today are confused about what the Church is, leading to a misunderstanding of its purpose and significance. This confusion is partly due to the neglect of the doctrine of the Church, which has resulted in a lack of clarity about its role and identity. [05:51]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does viewing the Church as a divine creation change your perspective on your role within it? What steps can you take to align more closely with this understanding today?
Day 2: Transformation Through the Spirit
True church membership involves a profound transformation, marked by conviction of sin and rebirth through the Spirit. This transformation signifies a new life centered on Christ, which is essential for genuine church membership. The Church is a body of people who have undergone a profound transformation, having been convicted of their sin and reborn through the Spirit. This transformation is essential for true church membership, as it signifies a new life centered on Christ. [12:12]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced transformation through the Holy Spirit? How can you continue to nurture this transformation in your daily life?
Day 3: Commitment to Apostolic Teaching
The early Church was characterized by a deep commitment to the Apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements are crucial for the Church's life and growth, with the Apostles' teaching providing the foundational truth that guides and sustains the Church. Fellowship, while important, must be grounded in this truth to be genuine and meaningful. [20:03]
Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: How can you deepen your commitment to the teachings of the Apostles in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to incorporate these teachings into your routine?
Day 4: Fellowship Grounded in Truth
Fellowship within the Church must be grounded in the truth of the Gospel to be genuine and meaningful. While fellowship is important, it should not take precedence over the teaching of the Apostles, which is foundational for the Church's unity and mission. The early Church's commitment to fellowship was rooted in their shared belief in the Gospel, which provided a strong foundation for their community. [25:28]
1 John 1:7 (ESV): "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your fellowship with others is grounded in the truth of the Gospel? What changes might you need to make in your interactions with fellow believers?
Day 5: Joy as a Witness to the World
The Church is called to be a joyful and praising community, with joy rooted in the deep assurance of God's love and salvation. This joy serves as a powerful witness to the world, attracting others to the Church and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. The joy and gladness of the early Christians were evident to all and served as a powerful witness to the world. [50:12]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your life that reflects God's love and salvation? In what ways can your joy serve as a witness to those around you today?
Quotes
The New Testament gives great space to this question of the nature of the Christian Church. You'll find that it's dealt with very extensively. This book of the Acts of the Apostle tells us about the origin foundation of the church and the development, and all the Epistles in a sense are nothing but treatises on the subject of the nature of the Christian church. [00:02:20]
The church is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. He means their teaching, and this is the point at which we've got to start, all of us, and we must start again tonight. What has brought this church into being is this preaching. What our brother has been inducted to do is to preach. This is the first and the primary thing. [00:08:10]
We must have the message, we must have the truth. I'll tell you why in a moment, but we also must have the power of the Holy Spirit. The church doesn't merely declare a number of truths and facts in her own strength and power. If she does, she'll be useless. The thing that brings the church into being is the declaration of these truths in the demonstration of the spirit and of power. [00:10:00]
A Christian is a man obviously who has discovered a need. He's a man who's being convinced and convicted of his sin. You know, there seems to be a tendency today to think and to say that you shouldn't preach the law, you shouldn't preach to convict people of sin, that all you do is to invite them to come to Jesus and to accept what he offers. [00:14:09]
The early Christians were always together, they were always meeting. They did it daily. In other words, you see the picture which we have is this: not of a number of people who've got their names on a certain register, but whom you don't often see in the church building. People, you know, who have to be rounded up constantly by the pastor. [00:21:40]
The idea today is that a church is just a kind of club or a kind of society, and you must have your tennis club, perhaps your rugby team, your dance club, and all these various other entertainments, and the minister is a man who organizes this social life and activity. [00:24:31]
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and of prayers. This is the church. There's nothing else in the world like a church. She's a unique creation of God, the spirit, and she shows that by her interest, by the things that bring them together and hold them together. [00:24:40]
The basis of it is this: Fellowship, fellowship, they said. This is the thing we need, they said. Don't talk about teaching, don't talk about doctrine, for that divides, and it doesn't matter what a man believes as long as we're all Christians and we're all together. [00:25:56]
Ignorance is the cause of all our troubles. Ignorance is a terrible thing. People, I say, are not interested in Christ and his salvation because they don't know God, because they don't know what it is to die and to stand in the judgment. It is ignorance. Ignorance is an appalling thing, and spiritual ignorance is the most appalling of all. [00:36:41]
The real explanation of why the masses of the people in this country are outside the Christian church today is simply the state and the condition of those of us who are inside. It is, you know, I'm not here to criticize great campaigns and efforts and things like that, all right, but I'm here to say this: they're really missing the point. [00:46:00]
When this church is filled with this kind of person, you'll find the others coming in. You won't have to spend a farthing on advertising, you won't have to buy any literature or anything. You let this place be filled with people who are overflowing with joy and praise and thanksgiving and gladness, people who have got a radiance in their faces. [00:50:29]
May we all be filled with this Spirit. May a double portion come upon his dear servant here and upon you good people, and may God grant that in his infinite wisdom and in his own holy providence that a fire shall be lit here in this way with this mighty Spirit of power upon this only truth. [00:53:01]
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