September 16, 2018

How Church? : Tell, Grow, Send
September 16, 2018
Matt Willmington

 

Open:

Most people will tell you they have continued to learn new things on a regular basis. Can you share something you’ve recently learned? We’ll relate it to the topic in a few minutes!

The past few weeks we’ve looked at the God-established body called “the church.” We’ve examined the importance of it, how relevant it is in today’s world, and how much a local body of believers can achieve. Today we look at “how” we do this thing called Church. We will find that it is a very simple but effective way to obey the calling of God on our lives.

Definition of a living, active church: It is the Family of God, under the Authority of God, living out the Word of God, on a Mission for God.

Focal Passages: Matt. 4:18-20; Matt. 11:28-30; Matt. 28:16-20; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 7:9,10.

 

 

Discuss:

The Church Is: The Family of God

  • Read Matt. 18-20. What happened as Jesus walked through life?
  • Who is He calling now?
  • What relationship do those who follow have with Him (read Mark 3:33-35)?

Under the Authority of God

  • Read John 14:21. If we are the children of God, how will we live our lives?
  • Read 1 John 2:3. What is our authority?
  • Read 1 John 2:17. If we love God, will we be happy to obey Him? What type of attitude will you have?

Living Out the Word of God

  • Read 1 John 3:16,17. How do we live our lives?
  • Do you react to those you meet during the day the same way you would if they were friends? Is this as Jesus would do?

On a Mission for God

  • Read Matt. 11:28-30. How often do people who are in a spiritual storm search out a church?
  • What should we do, especially for those who are facing the storms of life?
  • There are promises in these verses; what are they? How can we convince others that they need His yoke of grace?

TELL

  • How can we begin to help those who do not know the love of God?
  • Why does it matter that we ask them to tell us their story?
  • How important is baptism to you? It is the first ordinance that Jesus told us to do after salvation, even as He was baptized as He began His ministry. Why do people put it off? Have you?

GROW

  • There are always plenty of people who were not raised as you were, and who know so much less about Jesus than you. How can this be important to you?
  • What are other ways you can continue to grow, in order to “sprout seeds” that can be planted in someone else’s life?

SEND

  • If you know you must be prepared to leave home in an instant, what are some preparations you will make? How is that the same as being “instant in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2)?
  • Are YOU willing to go?

 

TEST YOURSELF: On a scale of 1-10—if 1 is close to Jesus, 10 is far from Him, where are you?

HOW do you walk closer? WHO are you following? WHO is with you that you are bringing with you?

 

 

Close:

How many people do you know who have storms of life raging, yet never go inside the church building? If they have never been to church, they may have no idea of the peace and joy that can found in Jesus Christ. You may be the only one who will ever tell them. It is important that you gently and lovingly show them you care about where they will spend eternity, then listen as they tell you their story. Most people love talking about themselves: give an interested, listening ear. Are you aware that many converts to cults are those who have been hurt in their youth, believing that God is good, yet feeling betrayed and leaving the church when a parent, sibling or loved one dies, as God answered their fervent prayers with “No”? There was no “trust” factor built into their thinking.

We need to take the Great Commission to heart, not choosing to leave it to the pastoral staff. It was not given to pastors—it was given to fisherman who chose to follow Jesus, learn from Him, and then carry His message to their world. We, too, need to carry this message to our community, our neighbors, co-workers and friends, so that they will not be lost for eternity. Can you imagine standing at their judgment as God orders them to “Depart from Me—I never knew you,” and they turn to look you in the eye, and ask why you never told them of the saving grace of Jesus? It is vital that we make use of the time we have left. Do you know how to witness? It’s never too late to learn! Ask any of the staff of the church, and they will guide you to someone who would be willing and happy to help you. Answer like Isaiah, “Here am I Lord, send me!”

Key Verse: Matt. 28:18-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” Amen.

 

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