“…I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18)
Jesus said He would build His Church, what did it cost Him?
“…the church of God WHICH HE PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD.” (Acts 20:28)
When would He build His Church?
“…Jesus spent the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and CHOSE TWELVE OF THEM…Jesus came down WITH THEM and…there was a large crowd of HIS DISCIPLES, and a GREAT THRONG OF PEOPLE…” (Luke 6:12-13, 17)
Three groups of people were present that day:
- The Church, ekklēsia: Called out
- The disciples.
- The potential Christians.
We learned yesterday that The Kingdom of God is within us, but the Church of God is: “…the light of the world. A city set on a hill CANNOT BE HIDDEN;” (Matt. 5:14)
How do we join with the Church of God?
“…we are members of his body…a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery–but I AM TALKING ABOUT CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.” (Eph. 5:30-32) Just like marriage we join with a perpetual covenant…
So, what is the mission of the Church?
“Jesus…said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And surely, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
I DO…
-Bill Stockham