Church.
Interestingly, when it comes to church, the Bible says very little about the things we all too often focus on … it says virtually nothing about buildings, programs, order of services, or any such things that often first come to mind for us when we think of church
And I actually think this silence should be highly instructive to us - because the things we prioritize about a church aren’t priorities in the New Testament!
So, what does the Bible say the church is supposed to be like and how is it supposed to fun...
Church.
Interestingly, when it comes to church, the Bible says very little about the things we all too often focus on … it says virtually nothing about buildings, programs, order of services, or any such things that often first come to mind for us when we think of church
And I actually think this silence should be highly instructive to us - because the things we prioritize about a church aren’t priorities in the New Testament!
So, what does the Bible say the church is supposed to be like and how is it supposed to function?
Bible Passages referenced in this episode:
Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Acts 2:41-47: So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Ephesians 4:12-13: for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:15: but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
Ephesians 4:14-15: As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
A couple of the books mentioned in this episode that I'd recommend:
Andy Stanley. Deep and Wide
Tim Keller. Center Church
Jerry Cook and Stanley Baldwin. Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness.
(note: above links are affiliate links which means if you use them to buy the book I get a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
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