What Does the Church Offer Me?
-Introduction
-House to House Series of Lessons – This issue’s primary article – our question at hand.
-Other articles of course, various topics, little Bible quiz, access to resources
-With our question at hand, we might be tempted to be somewhat critical. We might make a
statement similar to that of JFK (“Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do
for your country.”) - Don’t ask what the church has to offer to you but what you have to offer to
the church.
-Yet, there is nothing wrong with the question. It doesn’t have to be viewed in the idea of
selfishness. In reality, it is a good question, an important question.
-Would any of us be here if the church didn’t have anything to offer us?
-The truth is, the church has much to offer!
-HTH – Peace that Passes Understanding, A Free Religious Education, Acceptance and Community
-All valid points – but we’ll take a little different approach
-Salvation
-We know that salvation is available through Christ—and Christ only—by the grace of God.
-Titus 2:11-14, Acts 4:12, 1 Pet 1:3-5, 9-11, Acts 17:1-3 (necessary for our salvation)
-We must have forgiveness of sins to have salvation. Sin causes us to be spiritual dead. Forgiveness
through the grace of God makes us alive in Christ.
-Eph 2:1-10
-So, God has provided us with the Gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16) – the avenue by which He calls us
to himself (2 Thess 2:14).
-Paul called the Gospel the “gospel of your salvation” in Eph. 1:13.
-Thanks to the Gospel and through the Gospel, we can have forgiveness.
-Now, notice what happens when we respond to that Gospel.
-Acts 2:36-38, 41 (KJV – church)
-First mention of the church is in Matt 16:18. (only passage in Gospel accounts)
-church – ekklesia – refers to a group/body of people who are the called out
-Many references to the church in Acts and beyond – i.e. Acts 5:11, 8:1, 9:31, etc.
-So, it is appropriate to conclude the saved were/are added to the church.
-So, the church is the body of the redeemed – the called out – the saved. In this sense, the
church offers salvation.
-Eph 5:23, 27
-A Foundation Upon Which to Build Your Spiritual Life
-Founded upon truth, upholds truth – 1 Tim 3:15 (John 8:31-32)
-Moral values – not only individually, but of the value of this for parents, grandparents
-2 Pet 1:5 – add to faith virtue
-HTH issue – “Since God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps 119:105), it
gives us guidance in decision-making and a strong moral compass to navigate today’s
complicated sea of change (Matt 5:3-12, 28-32; Rom 12:2, 17; 13:1-10; Gal 5:19-23).”
-Biblical Faith – a faith grounded in truth, a growing faith, an active faith
-back to 2 Pet 1:5 – the concept of adding to our faith
-2 Thess 1:3, 1 Thess 1:3
-If we are going to build our faith, we must have a good foundation under us. We find that foundation
in the church – Eph 4:12-15.
-“Who doesn’t need inspiration and encouragement (2 Cor 2:14; Phil 4:13), motivation to live an
altruistic, respectable life (Matt 16:24); information to build a strong marriage and parenting skills (Ps
127:1-3; Eph 5:22-33); knowledge to cultivate healthy habits and avoid addictions (1 Cor 6:12); and
principles for good business practices and a well-rounded happy life? (Matt 7:12; 1 Pet 3:10).” - HTH
-Fellowship
-Encouragement is something that we all need from time to time. That encouragement can come by
way of the fellowship we have with each other.
-The greatest aspect of Christian fellowship is the fact it is with Christ – 1 Cor 1:9-10.
-We are a family – “Brothers/brethren” occurs numerous times in the N.T. – brothers & sisters in Christ.
-Think of the support and encouragement Jesus received from those who loved Him and followed
Him. Think of the support and encouragement we receive from those who love & follow Christ.
-Acts 2:42
-Focus / Purpose
-Ps 119:105 again; Heb 12:1-2; Matt 6:33
-Isa 55:8-9; Jer 10:23-24; Eccl 12:13
-As we develop and maintain a proper focus in life, we’ll want to be active in our faith. We’ll want to
continue to grow spiritually—and we’ll want to continue to be better servants of God.
-The church can help provide and develop those opportunities.
-Summary and Invitation
-Some might ask, “Why can’t I have these things without / outside the church?” – salvation, truth,
foundation, fellowship
-Salvation – upon obeying the Gospel one is added to the church by the Lord
-Truth – the Word reveals the plan that led to the establishment of the church
-Foundation – You will not find an equal foundation for moral goodness and truth anywhere else.
-Fellowship – Again, it is in the church that one finds fellowship with Christ and fellow Christians.
You cannot find that anywhere else.
-Acts 9:4 – Jesus asked Saul, “…why are you persecuting me?” – Saul persecuted the church.
-The church is described as the body of Christ with Jesus as the head (Col 1:18).
-Yes, the church has much to offer. But, here’s the amazing thing – Jesus offered Himself for the church.
-So, yes, obviously the church has much to offer!
Invitation
Joplin - March 24, 2013 – a.m.
Christian friends
-A home in heaven if you will go there.