As elders we have drafted some purpose statements. Each has (we believe) a solid, Biblical basis. However, we have tried to put them into common, contemporary English, avoiding (as much as possible) Christian jargon. The idea is that a person should be able to read and understand them without first learning to speak or think like a Christian.
Each of these statements will be published in a separate Blog entry. I encourage Sanctuary Church members to comment on each one. When you do, please put your name in the text of your comment (sometimes the comment system calls you "anonymous" even if you have logged in)!
Non Sanctuary members are ALSO welcome to post any comments if you think it will be helpful in further refining our purpose statements.
As well as these, I will publish the worksheets we used in Bible Study tonight.
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Acts chapter 2:41 - 47
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
1) Think about the passage above. What are some amazing things you can imagine if a church like this was set up in Astoria Park?
2) In what ways is Sanctuary Church like that image?
3) In what ways is Sanctuary Church NOT like that image?
Answers to cloze activity:
One key characteristic of the New Testament Church:
“Every day their numbers grew.”
“Every day their numbers grew.”
This means a minimum of: 365 new Christians per year !!!!!
Why did this happen?
God wants his Church to grow and His sheep to be found!
A healthy church is full of people sharing Christ with others.
5 reasons the church exists:
Matthew 25:34 – 36: “Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.” (MSG)
The church exists for MINISTRY.
Psalm 96: 1-10:
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” (NIV)
The church exists for WORSHIP.
Matthew 28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and 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.”
The church exists for EVANGELISM.
Ephesians 4:11 – 13: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11 – 13: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The church exists for DISCIPLESHIP.
John 13:34 - 35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The church exists for FELLOWSHIP.
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