We Are the Church: Empowered for Our Mission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Living Faith. Today, we embark on a new series titled "We Are the Church," where we will explore the nature and mission of the universal church that Jesus Christ established. The focus of today's message is to clarify that the church is not merely a building but the collective body of believers. We examined two passages from the Book of Acts—Acts 1:1-11 and Acts 2:1-4—to understand the origins and mission of the church.
The Book of Acts, written by Luke, serves as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke and details the early days of the church. Jesus, before His ascension, promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples, instructing them to stay in Jerusalem until they received this divine empowerment. This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the gathered believers, enabling them to speak in various tongues and effectively witness to the world. This event marked the birth of the church, not as a physical structure but as a spiritual body empowered by the Holy Spirit.
We also discussed the mission of the church, which is to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. This mission is encapsulated in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. The church's mission is not confined to a building but extends to our local community, our state, our country, and the entire world. This mission can only be accomplished through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, the church is not the building we gather in but the people who believe in Jesus Christ. We are called to be His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the good news to the world. The gates of hell will not prevail against us, and we are assured of victory in this mission.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church is the People, Not the Building: The essence of the church lies in its people, not in its physical structure. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making them the true temple of God. This shift from a physical temple to a spiritual one signifies the new covenant where God resides in us, not in a building. [20:18]
2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. This empowerment is not temporary but a permanent indwelling that enables us to fulfill the Great Commission. The disciples experienced this on the day of Pentecost, and it continues to be available to us today. [12:18]
3. The Mission of the Church: The primary mission of the church is to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. This mission is outlined in Acts 1:8 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. We are called to spread the gospel locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. [23:39]
4. The Promise of Victory: Jesus assures us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. This promise guarantees that the mission of the church will be accomplished. Our success is not dependent on our strength but on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the collective effort of the body of believers. [28:12]
5. Active Participation in the Mission: Believers are called to actively participate in the mission of the church. This involves not just attending services but engaging in evangelism, supporting ministries, and being witnesses in our daily lives. The mission is a collective effort that requires the involvement of every believer. [30:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Introduction and Acknowledgments
[01:11] - What is the Church?
[03:12] - Series Overview: We Are the Church
[03:53] - The Church is Not a Building
[04:59] - Background on the Book of Acts
[07:42] - Prayer and Opening Scripture
[08:31] - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
[10:38] - The Ascension of Jesus
[13:18] - The Day of Pentecost
[15:45] - The Birth of the Church
[17:04] - The Mission of the Church
[20:18] - God Dwells in His People
[23:39] - The Great Commission
[25:10] - Modern-Day Application
[28:12] - The Promise of Victory
[30:06] - Call to Action
[31:52] - Invitation to Non-Believers
[32:45] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:1-11
2. Acts 2:1-4
3. Matthew 28:19-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus promise His disciples before His ascension, and what were they instructed to do? ([08:31])
2. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. ([13:18])
3. According to the sermon, what is the primary mission of the church? ([22:07])
4. How does the sermon define the true essence of the church? ([18:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit essential for the mission of the church? ([12:18])
2. How does the shift from a physical temple to a spiritual body of believers signify the new covenant? ([20:18])
3. What does it mean for the church to be witnesses of Jesus Christ "to the ends of the earth"? How can this be practically achieved? ([23:39])
4. How does the promise that "the gates of hell will not prevail against the church" provide assurance for believers in their mission? ([28:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of the church. Have you placed too much emphasis on the physical building rather than the community of believers? How can you shift your focus? ([18:35])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. How can you seek and recognize the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life? ([12:18])
3. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one specific way you can contribute to this mission in your local community this week. ([23:39])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of supporting ministries both locally and globally. Are there any ministries you feel called to support? How can you take a step towards that this month? ([25:10])
5. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. How does this promise impact your confidence and approach to evangelism and discipleship? ([28:12])
6. The sermon challenged believers to actively participate in the mission of the church. What specific actions can you take to be more involved in your church's mission activities? ([30:06])
7. Think about a non-believer in your life. How can you share the message of Jesus with them in a way that is both loving and compelling? ([31:52])
Devotional
Day 1: The Church is the People, Not the Building
The essence of the church lies in its people, not in its physical structure. The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making them the true temple of God. This shift from a physical temple to a spiritual one signifies the new covenant where God resides in us, not in a building. The early church, as described in the Book of Acts, was a community of believers who were empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ. They gathered in homes, shared their resources, and supported one another in their faith journey. This model of the church as a living, breathing community of believers is what we are called to emulate today.
In our modern context, it is easy to associate the church with a physical building where we gather for worship. However, the true church is the body of believers who are united in their faith in Jesus Christ. We are the church, and our mission extends beyond the walls of any building. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities, showing His love and sharing His message with those around us. [20:18]
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective from seeing the church as a building to seeing it as a community of believers? What steps can you take to be more actively involved in this living, breathing community?
Day 2: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. This empowerment is not temporary but a permanent indwelling that enables us to fulfill the Great Commission. The disciples experienced this on the day of Pentecost, and it continues to be available to us today. The Holy Spirit equips us with the gifts and strength needed to carry out God's mission. It is through the Holy Spirit that we find the courage to share our faith, the wisdom to make godly decisions, and the love to serve others selflessly.
The day of Pentecost was a pivotal moment in the history of the church. The Holy Spirit descended upon the gathered believers, enabling them to speak in various tongues and effectively witness to the world. This event marked the birth of the church as a spiritual body empowered by the Holy Spirit. Today, we too have access to this same power. The Holy Spirit is our helper, guide, and source of strength. We are not alone in our mission; we have divine assistance to help us fulfill God's calling in our lives. [12:18]
Acts 2:4 (ESV): "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you in your daily walk with Christ?
Day 3: The Mission of the Church
The primary mission of the church is to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. This mission is outlined in Acts 1:8 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. We are called to spread the gospel locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The early church took this mission seriously, and their efforts led to the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the known world. They were committed to making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus had commanded.
Our mission as the church has not changed. We are still called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ and to make disciples of all nations. This mission requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people from all walks of life. It involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through our words and actions. We are to be a light in the darkness, pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus. This mission is not confined to a building but extends to our local community, our state, our country, and the entire world. [23:39]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you be a witness of Jesus Christ in your local community? What practical steps can you take to share the gospel with those around you?
Day 4: The Promise of Victory
Jesus assures us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. This promise guarantees that the mission of the church will be accomplished. Our success is not dependent on our strength but on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the collective effort of the body of believers. The early church faced numerous challenges and persecutions, yet they remained steadfast in their mission. They trusted in the promise of victory and continued to spread the gospel despite the obstacles they encountered.
As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that we are on the winning side. The victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ. No matter what challenges we face, we can trust that God's purposes will prevail. This assurance gives us the confidence to persevere in our mission, knowing that our labor is not in vain. We are part of a victorious church that will ultimately triumph over the forces of darkness. [28:12]
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: What challenges are you currently facing in your walk with Christ? How can the promise of victory through Jesus Christ give you the strength to persevere?
Day 5: Active Participation in the Mission
Believers are called to actively participate in the mission of the church. This involves not just attending services but engaging in evangelism, supporting ministries, and being witnesses in our daily lives. The mission is a collective effort that requires the involvement of every believer. The early church was characterized by active participation from all its members. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their resources and supported one another in their faith journey.
Today, we are called to follow this example of active participation. Being part of the church means more than just attending services; it means being actively involved in the mission of spreading the gospel and serving others. Each of us has a role to play in this mission, and our collective efforts can have a significant impact. We are called to use our gifts, talents, and resources to further God's kingdom and make a difference in the lives of those around us. [30:06]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the mission of the church? What specific steps can you take to use your gifts and talents to serve others and spread the gospel?
Quotes
1. "What I want to pose today is that by the end of this sermon, I want to be able to show you that actually the first set of pictures was just a building, and the second set of pictures is the church. That's what I want to be able to pose to you today. That, yes, we may call it a church building, but ultimately, the church that Jesus Christ started. Isn't in four walls. It's in the heart of God's people." [02:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Today's goal is really just to start up the conversation and the understanding that we here as people are the church, and that what we're sitting in, no matter how beautiful it is, right, no matter how sacred it may look. It's just a building. Just brick and mortar." [03:53] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, what's happening here? We see that the disciples are asking a very pointed question, Lord, are you going to restore Israel? That was the whole point of the Messiah, was that he's going to set Israel free from Rome. Are you going to establish as our own nation again? Are you going to take our oppressors away from us? That's basically what they're asking, and Jesus said, hey, guess what? It's not for you to know. That's something for the Father to know. So, how about you deal with what I'm going to give you?" [11:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What is new to them is the fact that... You're going to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Not only that, you're going to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Not for a short period of time like they did when they were sent out two by two, but forever." [12:18] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So what do we see here? We see that the day of Pentecost comes. If you don't know what the day of Pentecost is, basically it's 50 days after Passover. So that's 50 days after Jesus has died. That means it's 47 days since Jesus has resurrected. That means it's 10 days since Jesus has ascended. And we like to skip past that 10-day period of time that these disciples were waiting for the Holy Spirit." [14:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, right? That's at the top. The second, the Holy Spirit empowers them to be Jesus's witnesses to the world, right? We see that the Holy Spirit comes, it fills them, it baptizes them, and then instantly, they start shouting in tongues, preaching the name of Jesus. They're becoming witnesses to around them. And 3,000 people became Christians that day." [15:45] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God dwells in you. God dwells in you. God dwells in you. God dwells in you. You are that temple. That is why we are the church. Because God's spirit resides in us. Not the four walls, not brick and mortar. He resides in us, right? Jesus became our mediator between us and the father. Now we could go to the throne room at any time." [20:18] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "What is the true definition of church? Easy put. God's people are the church. You are the church. A brother and sister that you meet out in the world. They're the church. Anybody who's placed their faith in God, they're the church. They're the church. They're the church. And our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ is the church." [22:07] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You are the church. You have a mission. You have a mission to be his witnesses to this world. What is the church? Guys, it's not the seats you're sitting in, and it's not the walls that are surrounding us. You are the church. And Jesus promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against you. The church. God thought of you when he made that statement. You are the church. We are the church." [30:06] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you're a believer in this room, I ask you this. Have you put too much stock into the brick and mortar of a church? Have you elevated some things as sacred that shouldn't be in the sake of sacredness? Have you been taking this mission seriously? And Jesus says that the gates of hell cannot prevail against us. So are you actually helping out in this mission, or are you idly sitting by?" [30:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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