The Living Church

This morning, we looked at Acts 2:42-47, where we discovered 'a living church consists of people who are devoted to learning, caring and worshipping.'  

We also seen that a living church will be a growing church, yet we can't be arrogant, and must remember that God gives the growth.

There is so much more to chew over in these verses, and I want to encourage you to think about them and to chat with others about what you are learning.  As you do so, let me remind you of a couple of things.

• The church is about PEOPLE

There is a real danger to simply talk and debate about church.  We can be busy writing vision statements and setting priorities for church, yet forget that people are at the heart of church.

We must always ensure that when we think, talk, and dream about church - people are at the heart of it.

And because people are at the heart of the living church action, we must make the most of every opportunity we have to be together.  We must seek to encourage each other as we gather on Sundays to worship.  We should call round with or text each other throughout the week.  We must pray together - seeking God - as he is the one who has brought us together as his people.

• The life of God in the soul of the church

I recommended this book - you can get it here

Here are the quotes used in the sermon

This is what it means to be the church - genuine Christians with open hearts and open pockets to other Christians in need.  (pg 65)

Can we watch people drop out and not wonder about them?  Can we not reach out by picking up the phone or sending an email?  It would be unloving to go about the business of the churhc as though a missing brother or sister were unimportant to us.  So, let us set aside some time this very week to extend the love of Christ to those loosely connected to our church, inviting htem to be more deeply enveloped in our love  (pg 69)

Rise each morning and ask the Lord to show you a way that day that you can strengthen, build up and help to mature the body of Christ.  Pray that wth earnestness and zeal - it is a prayer the Lord will answer; it is a prayer consistent with the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  (pg 85)

Don't debate or even dream about church - live it!  Today!