Presentation Transcript
The Church That Jesus Builds: The Church That Jesus Builds Understanding the Basic Purpose and Nature of the Church.
Matthew 16:18
Church Basics: Church Basics Matthew 16:18
Jesus builds His church
Jesus uses people as his 'building blocks'
Jesus’ church is an 'attacking' church
Jesus’ church is a victorious church
Jesus Builds His Church: Jesus Builds His Church 'I will build …' = Jesus is the 'builder'
'I will build …' = Jesus is going to succeed
'I will build …' = It is a process and it takes time
'… My church' = Jesus is the 'owner' of the church
Jesus Uses People to Build With: Jesus Uses People to Build With ' … upon this rock, I will build …'
Peter = 'Petros' = 'rock or stone'
'Petra' = large projecting rock, cliff, worthy of a foundation C.f. Matthew 7:24f.; 27:51, 60
'living stones' … 1 Peter 2:4-5
Ephesians 2:19-22 ïƒ 4:16
Buildings and structures must never become more important than people
Jesus’ Leads Us into Warfare: Jesus’ Leads Us into Warfare Jesus is not building a 'retirement center' but a highly trained war machine …
Who are they attacking, invading, or defending themselves from?
'the gates of hades' … Ephesians 6:10f.
2 Corinthians 10:3f.
They are 'superior in strength' …
Luke 23:23
Jesus’ Builds a Victorious Church: Jesus’ Builds a Victorious Church '… shall not prevail against it' (NKJV)
' … will not overpower it' (NASB)
Foundation for confidence …
Romans 12:13-21
Guaranteed victory … with guaranteed results ïƒ Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:14, 28
Our Response?: Our Response? Let Jesus build you into His body …
Accept Jesus …
Assemble together (house church)
Pray, worship, learn together
Wait for the Holy Spirit’s power
Evangelize – move out and attack with love
Take risks and expect victory …