The Church

• The Church or ecclesia is made up of the called ones; that is, those who are committed to the Lord Almighty.

• Each person has value and a role to play in the work of the Lord.

• Do not let anyone turn you away from the Lord – from what you’ve been called to do.

• Each person has a gift that is needed for the building up of the body of Christ.

• Our gifts are not for competition and comparison but to build up and complement one another.

• The Church, with the help of the Holy Spirit, can bring reconciliation, peace, and much more gifts of the kingdom of God to the world.

• Lost men and women in need of hope are waiting for the Church to point them in the direction of Jesus Christ.

• We need God with us if we are to make a difference. We cannot do it of our own strength.

• It is God’s will that the Church exercise His power and authority in the earth.

• Love and unity must be strong among members of the Church.

• Be zealous and passionate about your faith in God, fearing no one but boldly proclaiming the word of the Lord.

• The Church ought to be the spiritual and moral compass of society, pointing people to the Lord Jesus Christ and causing their consciences to be convicted.

• Let us busy ourselves with the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, making disciples through all the earth.

Consider:

Are we doing our best to portray Jesus in our communities?

Prayer:

Lord help us not to hide our gifts and our talents but to be bold soldiers for Jesus Christ. Help us not to grow weary and give up but to, instead, keep our hearts steadfast on you. Amen.

Speaker: Deacon Pete Russell

Text: Matthew 5:13-16

Supporting Text(s): Jer. 17:5; 1 Cor. 12:21; 2 Tim. 4:3; Eph. 4:11; Gal. 6:8; Mark 16:15; 2 Cor. 15:8; Luke 19:10; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38; John 14:12; Acts 2:44-47; 1 John 2:15-17; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18-20