I Dream of a Church (9)

Build on Christ

Church growth by itself means nothing. The Ba’al worshippers that Isaiah faced were far more numerous than he (Isaiah 18). Are we building human empires or God’s kingdom? Some of the largest churches on earth are spiritually weak and starving. Some of the smallest hovels in distant lands are filled and satisfied with rich spiritual nourishment.

There are many large churches built upon a man, but they are weak for having been built on the wrong foundation. As soon as that man dies, the church falls apart if it was not built by Jesus. Only a church built on the Apostles, Prophets and Jesus being the cornerstone will last beyond the grave (Matthew 16:18). Let’s follow the example of the Apostle Peter. He saw that people were astonished after a lame man was healed, but he was quick to give credit to God.

“But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, ‘Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why are you staring at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you handed over and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.’” (Acts 3:12-13 NASB)

I dream of a church that honors and supports its human leaders, but worships Jesus.

Call to Repentance

Many today preach a message of just believing, but that builds a church without repentance. Peter, in his second sermon, called for repentance.

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19 NLT)

Repent means to change our minds or hearts about sin, but it doesn’t stop there. We also turn our lives away FROM sin and turn them TO God. When we preach this kind of message, then the church being built through us by Jesus Christ, will be headed in the right direction. Without repentance, we are no different from the demons who believe but don’t repent or people who refused to listen to Jesus.

“Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.” (Acts 3:23 NIV)

A large part of Jesus’ purpose was to teach repentance.

“God sent his chosen Son to you first, because God wanted to bless you and make each one of you turn away from your sins.” (Acts 3:26 CEV)

I dream of a church that has the habit to turn away from sin and to God.

Authoritarian Religion

In many countries, if you are not part of the established religion, you will be harrassed. This is even the case in some countries with a national Christian church. Just because someone is a Christian, does not mean they are perfect, and Christian churches have been guilty even of atrocities in history, as Catholics and Protestants have even murdered each other. So, we should not be shocked when even fellow believers harass us.

“While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them. They were incensed that the apostles were teaching the people and announcing that the resurrection of the dead was happening because of Jesus.” (Acts 4:1-2 CEB)

Another lesson about church growth in this chapter is that when harassment comes, sometimes growth does too. The early church grew from 3000 to 5000 during this time.

“But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord.” (Acts 4:4 CEV)

I dream of a church that accepts the faith of Christians from other churches and treats them as brothers and sisters.

I Dream of a Church (8)

Jesus’ Prayer for the Church

We could continue this discussion in Mark, Luke and John but that is an assignment for the reader to ask questions about the church in the rest of the Gospels. Ask: How is this relevant to the church God can build through us? One final thought before we get onto the practical experience of the early church, is found in John 17. Jesus prays for the church that is about to begin on Pentecost. Some highlights could be the following.

“that they may be one… the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil… Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth… that they may be one… “ (KJV)

Sanctify is from the Greek word which means to make holy or make saints. Sainthood or holiness comes in part through God’s truth. Unity and saintliness are important attributes of the Christian church. While we may become a separate and independent local church, we must never forget that God’s grace is sufficient for a wide variety of churches and we must never allow a self-righteous spirit to dominate us.

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3 NKJV)

I dream of a church that is so immersed in fighting for and defending this faith, that it does not have time to become self-righteous by comparing itself to others.

Pentecost

Let’s continue our journey in Acts 2, with the first megachurch, a congregation of more than 3,000 people. What happened there that is relevant to how we would want to approach our new church?

Multicultural

The first thing we might notice, that may be relevant to planting a church, is that this is what today’s generation might call a multicultural church, with people from all over.

“Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs …” (Acts 2:9-11 NKJV)

I dream of a multicultural church where people of different races, languages and cultures are comfortable together because their new allegiance is to the kingdom of heaven more than any customs of this world.

Key Speaker

There is a clue that perhaps all the apostles said at least something.

“They were surprised and amazed, saying, ‘Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them?’” (Acts 2:7 CEB)

However, one stands out as perhaps the keynote speaker, Peter.

“Peter stood with the eleven apostles and spoke in a loud and clear voice to the crowd: Friends and everyone else living in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I have to say!” (Acts 2:14 CEV)

This may happen in a local church run by a board of elders, where one is particularly gifted in public speaking and others are not. It requires humility to stand aside and let the more gifted one lead, or even slowly hand over the reins as a younger one matures into a new role within the ministry of the church. We will notice that later with Barnabas and Paul. Will there be rivalry as occurred while the Apostles were in training?

“An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.” (Luke 9:46 ESV)

I dream of a church where this kind of tug-of-war does not exist, but that each promotes the other for the sake of the Gospel.

Church Unity

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:42-47 KJV)

O that such singleness of heart would exist in every local church, but that might be a little unrealistic. Most churches seem to have some kind of personality conflicts over a thousand silly and unimportant things.

O that genuine wonders and signs would be done in every new church, but alas that too does not happen all the time, and when it does, it is often reported to have been faked.

O that we might be strong enough in faith to share our possessions as they did. I think that most of us, at least in the west, will probably ignore that passage and quickly move on as if nothing was written or make quick excuses. So, let’s leave that there for our consciences to deal with.

I dream of a church where people uplift those with greater gifts, where genuine miracles occur, not fakes, and where people are known for outrageous generosity.

I Dream of a Church (7)

Betrayal

If Judas betrayed Jesus, let’s not be naïve. We too will be betrayed at some point in our church life. Like Judas “started looking for a good chance to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:16 CEV) so too can there be similar people in any church. I dream of a church that is not shocked when betrayal happens.

The Lord’s Supper

As Jesus was about to become our Passover Lamb He gave new rituals to the church, using bread and wine, saying this is His body and blood (Matthew 26:26-28).

Though the bread Jesus used was unleavened Passover bread, any later instructions about it, never mandate leavened or unleavened. There is no adjective. It is just called bread.

A 19th century overreaction against the abuse of alcohol, plus the inventions of pasteurization and refrigeration, popularized grape juice among many churches. However, six months after the grape harvest, it is obvious that any grape juice was long fermented into wine. Jesus used wine.

I dream of a church that continues this rite in the simplicity that Jesus instituted it.

Denial

Let’s not be too naïve about our developing church leaders. If Judas betrayed Jesus, most of the disciples fled and Peter denied Him three times (Matthew 26:30-35), don’t expect perfection from church leaders. If Jesus’ disciples all failed, so will leaders in any church at one time or another. It’s just part of the human condition. I dream of a church that creates an atmosphere of grace towards the faults of its leaders and parishioners.

Brought before Councils

In some countries, those who start Christian churches may be betrayed and arrested like Jesus was (Matthew 26:47-56) and all their disciples may leave and flee (vs 56). They may be brought before religious councils like Jesus was (vs 57-68). The religious leaders may take counsel against them and seek to put them to death (Matthew 27:1-2). They may be brought before civil authorities to answer questions like Pilate did Jesus (vs 11-31). More Christians are killed for their faith today like Jesus was, than any other time in history. I dream of a church that prays for our brothers and sisters under state or religious persecution around the world.

The Great Commission

Part of the reason for starting new churches is because it is a natural result of obeying the great commission.

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.’” (Matthew 28:18-20a NLT)

So the teaching curriculum that Jesus outlined had a particular focus “and teach them to do everything I have told you.” (CEV) Where would we find that information? It is found primarily in the Gospels, that is why preparation for starting new churches includes knowing what we must teach.

Though the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost, Jesus also continues to be with His Church.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

Jesus has always been there as Head of the church. Just as before the church era, sin has continued to prevail in the church, but grace has prevailed even more. Even in the darkest times, Jesus did not fail His church, but has always made sure that the essentials for salvation were there. I dream of a church that never loses its focus on what’s really important.

Receive the Word

Hymns

Thy Word, Ancient Words, Wonderful Words of Life

Readings

Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14

Sermon

Who is the Word? Is Jesus God? Let’s find out in John 1:1-18.

Jesus is God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:1-5 NKJV)

Before the Gospel of John was available in all churches, some thought that Jesus was a created being and not God. This Arian heresy is still believed today by some groups, notably Jehovah’s Witnesses. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in Egypt, used John 1 to counter this wrong idea.

Early churches did not always have a complete New Testament, so parts of the puzzle were omitted. The first verse of John reveals that the word was God [existed NOT came into existence]. He was not created, but created all things.

Receive Him

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:6-13 NKJV)

We receive Him by hearing the Word. Faith comes from hearing the Word (Romans 10:14-17) not a motivational speech or faith without repentance. Ancient believers read the Bible aloud (Nehemiah 8:7-9) and public reading of scripture has long been church practice (1 Timothy 4:13).

When preachers avoid the Bible, especially the words of Jesus, the sheep cannot receive “the Word.” Why would we ignore Him in our churches, politics, business practices and marriages?

The Word Became Flesh

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:14-18 NKJV)

The word “dwelt” is “tabernacled” or “tented. God the Son “tabernacled” in the earthly tent of a human body, preparing for that time when God the Father dwells with us.

Jesus is the Word. Do we eagerly receive the Word, and welcome Him to tent with us. Someday heaven will descend to earth and He will live with us forever.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

I Dream of a Church (6)

Not Your Best Life Now

A popular but false Gospel is contradicted by Jesus, who warned that things will not always be pleasant for true Christians.

“You will be arrested, punished, and even killed. Because of me, you will be hated by people of all nations. Many will give up and will betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will come and fool a lot of people. Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others. But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved.” (Matthew 24:9-13 CEV)

This is not exactly the kind of message that will build a big, popular church, but it will build a church that is based upon truth rather than hollow lies, and it will build lives that can endure to the end. I dream of a church that is committed to Jesus, no matter what.

Virgins

Don’t be surprised if the church that God builds through you contains both foolish and wise members, those who take extra oil of the Holy Spirit in their vessels, and those who don’t, who will be told on that day “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:12 ESV) Warn them, and preach to them to “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (vs 13) I dream of a church that shakes in its boots when it hears the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

Talents

Warn them also that God gives various amounts of spiritual deposits from heaven, similar to five, two or one quantities of gold. Warn them that God expects a profit from these spiritual deposits and those who do nothing will be punished. “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.” (Matthew 25:29 NASB) I dream of a church where everyone is using their talents.

Sheep and Goats

Warn the church also not to just be concerned with salvation and blessings for themselves, but to feed the hungry and thirsty, welcome the foreigner, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and go to the prisoner. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV) What of those who do not help the needy? “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (vs 46 NKJV) I dream of a church that treasures Jesus’ values and is not swayed by politics.

Costly Giving

Teach the church that not every gift must be for the poor and needy, but also giving extravagantly to Jesus is appropriate. Let’s not be like the disciples who said, “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:9 NLT) Giving to the poor is balanced with a woman’s generous gift to honor and bless Jesus. He said, “I tell you the truth that wherever in the whole world this good news is announced, what she’s done will also be told in memory of her.” (Matthew 26:13 CEB) I dream of a church that is extravagant in giving.