Introduction 

 

Today’s Sermon Will be Preached in light of  

  • A review last year’s thematic highlights
  • An Announcement of this year’s theme
  • Context for this year’s focus

Year In Review 

“The Untapped Power of We” (January) 

It taught us how to become a “we” people in the midst of a “me” culture. 

There are all kinds of benefits we experience when we are unified in Christ. 

But here’s the rub: the benefits of unity require adjustments. 

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (February) 

Being one in Christ is not only spiritual but also social. 

 

The Kingdom Way (March) 

A series about God’s thoughts and how different they are from our own. 

Knowing God comes at the cost of exchanging our thinking for His. 

When you welcome God’s ideas, it naturally lends itself to innovation. 

The Lord has called us to specific kinds of innovation, among which include the following three areas: 

  • Arts and Entertainment 
  • Science and Technology 
  • Business and Entrepreneurship 

How the Lord Pastors Us (April) 

The Lord is your pastor. 

No human pastor can guide you effectively unless you are first submitted to the Lord’s leadership. 

Do you trust the Lord with your pastoral care? 

When you have pastor issues, do you first go to Him? 

The Benefactor (May – June) 

Giving is chore when, in a relationship with resources, you primarily identify as a beneficiary. 

On the other hand, giving is a dynamic source of life and blessing when, in a relationship with resources, you primarily identify as a benefactor. 

Benefactor: someone or something that provides help or an advantage: one that confers a benefit [Meriam-Webster Dictionary] 

If you are a believer, you’re blessed with spiritual blessings that have earthly implications. 

To be a Christian is to be a blessing to other people—even if you’re poor. 

Because of the Holy Spirit in you, you have the capacity to be a blessing, no matter what your circumstances are. 

As Peter told the man at the Gate Beautiful, Acts 3:6 (ESV): 6 . . . “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. . .” 

The Blessing and Joy of Honoring Our Fathers (June) 

Shortly after Father’s Day, we talked about the Fatherhood of God within the context of the Lord’s Prayer. 

Part of what makes the Lord’s prayer so powerful is that it is prayed in the first-person plural,  

  • “Our Father” 
  • “Give usthis day.” 
  • “Weforgive those who trespasse.d” 

The pronouns “Our,” “us,” and “we” draw us back into the collective spirit God is calling us to. 

 

One Vision, One Voice (July) 

The subject of our summer guest speaker series 

I Prayed About It (But What Does That Mean)? (August) 

That series covered the basics of prayer for beginners and provided encouragement for people wanting to reinvigorate their prayer lives. 

The objective of the series was to get us to pray sincerely, biblically, attentively, regularly, and persistently.  

 

Beef (September) 

We dedicated an entire series to the slang term “beef”.  

To talk about the numerous ways that conflict arises in the process of working together and how we are to respond when conflict shows up.  

Imagine, You’re Part of Something Bigger (October) 

Of course, one significant way to help us move past the smallness of our differences is to place our focus on the largeness of our common vision. 

Financial giving is not about money, but about the heart behind it. 

From God’s perspective, anyone, regardless of financial status, can be a big giver. 

 

The Gathering (November) 

Gathering is far more than about church attendance, but about our collective identity and purpose. 

Church is not a mere social experience, but a branch of heaven’s government charged with extending the influence of heaven on earth.  

Beef (December) 

The literal business of the church can be a source of conflict .

At the same time, the business is spiritual, and taking it seriously plays a vital role in the fulfillment of God’s plan for us as a church. 

Stay Woke 

  • Matthew 24:12 (ESV):12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 
  • Matthew 24:36–37 (ESV): 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  
  • Markers of the days of Noah  
  • Evil:Genesis 6:5 (ESV): 5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 
  • Prophetic Warnings (acts of mercy): Jude 14–15 (ESV): 14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 
  • The response to this should be repentance 
  • And when they hear about Noah building the ark, they should throng him with support. 
  • But instead. . . 
  • Matthew 24:38 (ESV): 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the daywhen Noah entered the ark, 

  • They are behaving as if  
  • Nothing’s wrong 
  • There’s no work to do 
  • The future is promised
  • They are detached from reality
  • Their human accomplishments give them confidence that their world is stable. 
  • They had no clue until the door was shut, and the rain started falling.  
  • Ignoring Noah’s construction 
  • Ignoring the clouds 
  • Ignoring the changes in the atmosphere—literally and spiritually 
  • Why? 

  • Matthew 24:39 (ESV): 39 and they were unawareuntil the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 

 

  • They were spiritually asleep. 

 

  • Matthew 24:42 (ESV): 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 

So, at this moment in Jesus’ discussion of the last days. He’s given us two ways to respond to the news about the future demise of the world: 

  • Don’t be afraid: Matthew 24:6 (ESV): 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 

 

  • Stay awake. 

How do you stay awake? 

  • You remain attentive to the business of the Lord, working like you expect Him to return at any moment 

After He describes the characteristics of the last days, Jesus shares three scenarios that explain the difference between staying awake and going to sleep: 

The story of wise and foolish servants: 

  • Matthew 24:45 (ESV):45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 

 

  • Matthew 24:46-47 (ESV):46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 

 

  • Matthew 24:48-51 (ESV):48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

The Parable of the Ten Virgins: 

  • Matthew 25:10 (ESV):10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.  

 

  • Matthew 25:11 (ESV):11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 

 

  • Matthew 25:13 (ESV):13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 

 

The Parable of the Talents: 

  • Matthew 25:14–19 (ESV):14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 

 

The Parable of the Minas: 

  • Luke 19:12–13 (ESV):12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 

We are to be engaged in the business of the Lord until He returns. 

Each year, there’s going to be a different emphasis on the nature of that business. 

What is our Business This Year? 

Construction. 

The physical reconstruction project is an analogy for our spiritual reconstruction project.  

 

Renovation sounds exciting, but the reality is that the process of construction is frustrating.  

 

Enduring the process from beginning to end requires patience.   

 

As a case in point—and we discussed this several months ago: 

 

The children of Israel were involved in a construction project of sorts after they had been freed from slavery. 

 

  • Numbers 11:1 (ESV): 1 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. 

 

  • The people are upset. 

 

  • God is upset 

 

  • Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV):4 . . .And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” 

  • They think God is not taking care of them, but He is 
  • He’s addressing their needs; He’s just not addressing their preferences. 
  • And if they would turn their attention to His actual provision, they would be grateful instead of resentful. 
  • Moses is complaining: 

 

  • Numbers 11:12–13 (ESV): 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 

  • The leaders complain: 

 

  • Numbers 12:1–2 (ESV): 1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 
  • What Miriam and Aaron did not realize is that their complaint was not a critique of Moses’s leadership, but of God’s leadership. 

 

  • Because it was God who was leading Moses 

 

  • The Congregation complains about the direction of the ministry: 

 

  • Numbers 14:1–4 (ESV): 1 Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. 2 And all the people of Israel grumbledagainst Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” 

What’s challenging about this is that they were almost there 

  • James 1:4 (NKJV): 4 But let patience have itsperfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

 

This Year’s Theme 

This Year’s Theme: “Under Construction” 

This Year’s Theme Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4–5 (ESV): 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  

  • He will build our sanctuary as we become His sanctuary. 

Introduction 

In this final sermon of the year, we’re closing out two things: 

  • One: our year-long focus on the theme, “One Vision, One Voice,” which puts emphasis on building unity that is based upon our common commitment to Christ. 
  • Two: We’re closing out our sermon series titled “Beef.” 

When we were doing that series, we addressed it using themes from the gameshow Jeopardy, where contestants compete by giving their answers in the form of questions. 

It’s an approach that suits us as God often broaches subjects with us and often responds to our inquiries with questions.  

Let’s again review our categories we’ve already covered: 

  • Chloe ‘Nem 
  • What You Not Gon’ Do 
  • Don’t Judge Me 
  • Watch Your Mouth 

We have one more category: 

  • We’re going to take Standing on Business for a thousand ($1000) 

I thought I would use ChatGPT to get a solid explanation of what I mean by “standing on business.”

  

What Does “Standing on Business” Mean? 

[From ChatGPT 5.2 (Auto Mode), Prompt: What does the slang term “standing on business mean”?] 

  • “The phrase comes from Black American vernacular and gained wider popularity through hip-hop culture, social media, and sports interviews, where it emphasizes seriousness and follow-through.” 
  • “In short: standing on business = doing what you said you’d do, and not backing down.” 

“Standing on Business” is about doing what it takes to get it done.

 

The Tension Between Business and Ministry 

For most contemporary churches in America who aim to engage more than 200 members, “standing on business” means engaging in literal business 

  • contracts, negotiations, marketing, systems management, payroll, balance sheets, income drivers, human resources, strategic planning  

Key Areas of Ministry Where Business Matters 

We’re going to address some practical ministry matters related to business: 

  • Member Care 
  • Ministry Finance 
  • Spiritual Gifts 
  • Church Employees 
  • Church Vision 

A Scriptural Basis for Taking Business Matters Seriously 

Luke 16:1(ESV): 1He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 

  • Jesus is communicating to us in the language of business and commerce. 
  • The moral lessons of this parable come from a rich man in business.  
  • In this parable, Jesus is identifying with the rich person. 
  • Jesus is placing value on accounting and management. 

Luke 16:2 (ESV): 2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’  

  • Our first jeopardy question: What is this that I hear about you? 
  • This is a question about accountability. 

Luke 16:3(ESV): 3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.  

  • Our second jeopardy question: “What shall I do?” 
  • This is about internal reflection. 
  • What should I do when I’m held accountable? 

Luke 16:4-7 (ESV): 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’  

  • Notice the rapid change in his output. 
  • People think they can’t do things that they really can 
  • The man learned to think like an employer.

Luke 16:8 (ESV): 8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.  

  • Jesus points to a secular business experience as an example for us. 
  • He’s not commending the man’s dishonesty, but his shrewdness  
  • Shrewd: having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. [Oxford Languages Dictionary, Powered by Google] 
  • Astute: having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage. [Oxford Languages Dictionary, Powered by Google] 

Luke 16:9 (ESV): 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. 

  • The business example is an analogy for kingdom stewardship 
  • We manage resources with eternity in mind 
  • “Jesus reminded his disciples that they… should use their possessions with eternity in mind. Christians ought to use their earthly resources wisely and generously for kingdom purposes. In this way, lives will be changed, and people saved by the gospel. Such shrewd kingdom people will be greeted in eternity by a welcoming committee of friends whose lives were forever transformed by their righteous use of worldly wealth.”–Tony Evans [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Holman, 2019, pp. 994-995] 

Proverbs 22:29 (ESV): 29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. 

Proverbs 6:9–11 (ESV): 9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. 

Member Care 

The feeding of the 5000 (which was really 15-20,000) was as much about business-related matters as it had to do with supernatural intervention. 

Jesus’ response to His disciples concerning the feeding of the multitudes was first to address matters of accounting, resource management, and systems implementation. 

  • Mark 6:37–39 (ESV): 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 

Notice that in this situation, the business matters were addressed first. Then what happens? 

  • Mark 6:41 (ESV): 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.  
  • The appeal to heaven was after they had handled their business in this situation.  
  • Mark 6:42-43 (ESV): 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish.  
  • Notice the accounting at the conclusion of the miracle. 
  • The supernatural doesn’t cancel the need to do business. 

Ministry Finance 

People who work in ministry must be compensated. 

  • 1 Corinthians 9:7-12 (ESV): 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?  8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?  

Paul was an entrepreneur. 

  • Acts 18:1–3 (ESV): 1And After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 

Jesus’ ministry had a treasury and a treasurer. 

  • John 13:27–30 (ESV): 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 

Spiritual Gifts 

There are spiritual gifts that, when applied, are expressed as contemporary business practices. 

  • 1 Corinthians 12:28 (ESV): 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 

 Church Employees 

Contractual agreements must be honored. 

  • Matthew 20:10–15 (ESV): 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 

Stay out of HR Matters unless you are legally or contractually involved: 

  •  Proverbs 26:17 (ESV): 17  Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. 

Don’t judge with limited information: 

  • Proverbs 18:17 (ESV): 17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 

Church Vision 

Some ministries have a special connection to business: 

  • Amos 7:14–16 (ESV): 14 Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. 15 But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’  

 

Introduction 

The Ancient Promise 

Genesis 3:15 (ESV): 15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” 

  • A battle between offspring that is going to result in victory for the child that comes from the woman.
  • What is less obvious in the moment but is more obvious later: 
  • The focus on the offspring coming from the woman hints at a virgin birth.
  • Most genealogical records in Scripture describe children coming from the men

The Light of Christ’s Birth 

Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV): 1 saying, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

  • The birth of Jesus is marked by light.

Matthew 4:12–16 (ESV): 12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” 

  • Thefact that Jesus is marked by light points to the fact that Jesus Himself is light. 
  • Light is hope.

 

Our Blessed Hope 

One of the formal ways that Scripture regards Jesus is to call Him hope: 

  • Titus 2:11–13 (ESV): 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearingof the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 
  • Revelation 21:4 (ESV): 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Two Versions of the Messiah 

The Old Testament talks about the Messiah in two different ways: 

  1. The suffering servant
  2. The victorious king
  • The suffering servant:
  • Isaiah 53:1-6(ESV): 1Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.  
  • Isaiah 9:1–7 (ESV): 1But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them haslight 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 

The Counterintuitive Messiah 

  • Matthew 26:51–54 (ESV): 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 
  • John 18:36(ESV): 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 

This is what frustrates us about Jesus:  

  • He does not operatelike the world does. 
  • But we do.
  • John 14:30 (ESV):30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 

 

  • 2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV):14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 

Four Kinds of False Light 

Reason 

  • Reasons unaided by light from the Holy Spirit:
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (ESV): 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 

Technology 

  • Society of Cain(Genesis 4:17-24) 
  • Society of Nimrod(Genesis 10:8-12; 11: 1-9) 

Success 

  • Matthew 13:22 (ESV):22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 

Human Works 

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (ESV):1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 
  • Matthew 7:21–23 (ESV):21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

A Simple Test of How Much Christ is in My Life 

Where am I carrying my cross? 

  • Matthew 16:24 (ESV): 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.                                                                                       

Introduction 

Your Christianity doesn’t protect you from conflict.  

Conflict is not necessarily the sign that something’s wrong. 

Sometimes conflict is a sign that something is going right. 

There are righteous ways to say “ouch” and unrighteous ways to say “ouch.”  

Back to the Beef 

Let’s again review our categories we’ve already covered: 

  • Chloe ‘Nem
  • What You Not Gon’ Do
  • Don’t Judge Me

We have two more categories: 

  • Watch Your Mouth
  • Standing on BusinessWatch Your Mouth 
  • James 3:5-6 (ESV):5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.  
  • The purpose of making these strong statements about the tongue’s influence is to foster a respect for its power  
  • James 3:9-10 (ESV): 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  
  • We are the vessel of the Holy Spirit, so what comes out of our mouths should be pure, holy, and edifying.  
  • James 3:11-12 (ESV):11Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. 

If we know we are God’s vessels then have to watch our mouths. 

The key is discerning the difference between pure and impure speech. 

Toxic Emotions and Behavior 

We’ll go to Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church 

  • Ephesians 4:30 (ESV):30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  

Six Toxic Attitudes of the Heart 

  • Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV):31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  

Bitterness 

  • Acts 8:22–23 (ESV):22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 
  • Bile is the “bitter greenish-brown alkalinefluid that aids digestion and is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.” [Oxford Languages Digital Dictionary powered by Google] 
  • The next two words Paul mentions I would like to talk about together, as they related: 
  • The first is wrath. The second is anger. 
  • While they both of similar meanings in the Greek,  
  • Wrath:OR θυμός (thymos) [THAI-moss or THY-moss] is most associated with vengeance AND  
  • Anger:OR ὀργή (orgē). [or-GAY (or-GAI)] is most associated with impulsive passion.  

Wrath 

  • “punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.” [Oxford Languages Digital Dictionary powered by Google] 
  • Romans 12:19 (ESV):19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 

Anger 

  • An impulse is “a sudden strong and unreflectiveurge or desire to act.” [Oxford Languages Digital Dictionary powered by Google] 
  • So that was anger.  

Clamor 

  • Clamor refers to shouting or getting into a verb brawl. 

Slander 

  • Assassinating someone’s character 

Malice 

  • Malice: the intention or desire to do evil
  • Pain has a narrow vision 

Gossip: Toxic Speech 

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20 (ESV):20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 
  • 1 Timothy 5:13 (ESV):13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 
  • Proverbs 20:19 (NLT):19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. 
  • Proverbs 11:13 (NLT):13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. 
  • Gossips aren’t trustworthy because if they’ll tell other people’s business, they’ll tell your business.

What Is Gossip? 

Gossip: idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others [Dictionary.com] 

Gossip can be driven by a number of things: 

  1. The toxic emotions and behaviors listed in Scripture 
  2. The sense of importance we hold when we share information or are perceived as someone having inside information 
  3. The boost in esteem we experience when other people’s reputation is soiled 
  4. The high we get from other people’s reactions to information we shared 

Strategies to Avoid Gossip and Giving Expression to Toxic Emotions 

Let’s go back to the definition of gossip 

  • Gossip:idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others [Dictionary.com] 
  • Avoid the things that fuel gossip 
  • Avoid idle talk and rumor and be judicious about making the private matters of other people public 
  • Idle Talk: conversation without a serious purpose or value (Reverso.com) 
  • Rumor: unverified information about other people 
  • Private matters are private. 
  • If I’m uncertain about whether something should be shared or not, how do I decide? 
  • Think before you speak 
  • As yourself if your words are  
  • T = True 
  • H = Helpful 
  • I = Inspirational
  • N = Necessary
  • K = Kind 

*Acronym from Pastor Bayless Conley:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RNrl6TS2XpM 

When It’s Okay to call People Out 

A pastor has a responsibility to protect the sheep 

John 10:10–13 (ESV): 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 

  • Hired hands are people who are not only looking for payment with money, but also with emotional validation.  
  • Sharing information about other people’s faults in public is not wrong when the information is truthful and shared with the right motives 
  • Protection of the flock is a reason to call people out  
  • Public figures require public accountability  
  • Public rebuke is biblical 
  • Paul named names: 
  • Galatians 2:11–14 (ESV): 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” 
  • Calling people out when their conduct is not in step with the truth of the gospel 
  • 1 Timothy 1:18–20 (ESV):18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 
  • 2 Timothy 4:9–10 (ESV):9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 
  • Paul also called people out implicitly:  
  • 1 John 2:18–19 (ESV):18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 

One Final Word of Encouragement 

  • Acts 15:36–41 (ESV):36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 
  • Paul refuses to work with Mark in ministry because of Mark’s rookie mistakes. 
  • Two Christians deeply divided over the merits of a third Christian. 
  • 2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV):11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 
  • Once Mark matures, Paul is able to work with him. 
  • Somehow things eventually work out, a reason for us to hope

 

Introduction 

Why Missing Church Habitually Is Dangerous 

One: The more isolated you are, the more vulnerable you are to Satan’s attack. 

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

Two: “Good” reasons for missing church gatherings are seductive, deceptive and lead to harm. 

  • James 1:5–6 (ESV):5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  
  • Matthew 13:22 (ESV):22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 
  • “Cares of the world”:
  • “Deceitfulness of Riches”
  • “Choke the Word” 

  • John 6:63 (ESV):63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 
  • Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV):24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 
  • “Proves Unfruitful”

Three: Making a practice of missing church gatherings is disobedience to God. 

Four: Making a practice of missing church gatherings is an act of insubordination. 

  • Hebrews 13:17 (ESV):17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. 
  • 1 Peter 5:2–5 (ESV):2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 
  • 2 Timothy 2:2–4 (ESV):2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 

Five: Making a practice of missing church gatherings is a bad example to young people 

  • Titus 2:1–8 (ESV):1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 

Six: Making a practice of missing church gatherings is a bad example to your own children 

  • Genesis 18:17–19 (ESV):17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” 

Seven: Making a practice of missing church gatherings is a bad example to new believers 

  • Psalm 51:12–13 (ESV): 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,  

and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,  

and sinners will return to you. 

  • Psalm 122:1 (ESV):1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” 

 

 

 

 

Introduction 

Ecclesia means something close to what we call Congress. 

  • We are a Congress of legislators. 
  • We are a Congress of ambassadors. 
  • We are a Congress of judges. 

The writer or Hebrews tells us explicitly, gathering is a remedy for Christian stagnation and hypocrisy:  

  • Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV):24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

3 Keys to a More Meaningful Gathering 

  • Gathering must be a matter of devotion, not culture.
  • Acts 2:42 (ESV):42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 
  • We must gather bearing gifts.

  • Psalm 100:4 (ESV):4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
  • Esther 4:11 (ESV): 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepterso that he may live. But as for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.”
  • Nehemiah 2:2 (ESV):2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 
  • Psalm 122:1 (ESV):1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” 

Praise is our sacrifice: Hebrews 13:15 (ESV):15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 

Gift bearing requires that we maintain loving relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  

Matthew 5:23–24 (ESV):23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

.

Heart Preparation When We’re Not Gathering 

Church gatherings are to address God’s priorities, but we won’t do that if we are preoccupied with our priorities.  

  • Matthew 13:18–23 (ESV):18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” 
  • Matthew 6:33 (ESV):33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

Three Types of Hustles 

The three categories are as follows: 

  • Stability, Stuff, and Status 

We’ll address them one by one: 

  • The hustle for stability is about survival 
  • The hustle for “stuff” is about securing the good life.
  • The hustle for status is about achievement.
  • Things are lower-order concerns.
  • God wants to address higher-order concerns.  

Higher Order Concerns 

What are higher-order concerns? 

What Do We Do About Our Spheres of Influence?  

Four things: 

  • Seek God 
  • Serve people  
  • Solve problems 
  • Share the gospel 

I’ll go over them one by one: 

  • Seek God
  • Acts 26:15–18 (ESV): 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 

  • Ephesians 1:15–20 (ESV):15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 
  • Colossians 1:9–11 (ESV):9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 
  • Ephesians 3:14–19 (ESV):14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

  • Serve People
  • Matthew 5:16 (ESV):16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 
  • Colossians 3:22–24 (ESV):22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 

  • High-quality work and a high-quality witness
  • Solve Problems 
  • Examples of Kingdom problem-solvers 
  • Joseph 
  • Esther 
  • Daniel 
  • Daniel’s reputation for solving problems: 

  • Daniel 5:10–12 (ESV):10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall, and the queen declared, “O king, live forever! Let not your thoughts alarm you or your color change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him, and King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers, 12 because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.” 
  • Share the Gospel

  • Mark 16:15 (ESV):15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 
  • Ephesians 6:18–20 (ESV):18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. 

 

Introduction and Review

Church is not something you attend. It’s something you are.

Matthew 16:18-19 (ESV): 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The church has been given keys, so we’ve been charged with responsibility.

The Church as A Branch of Government

We have legislative responsibilities

  • Matthew 6:9–10 (ESV): 9  . . . .“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
  • Matthew 6:33 (ESV): 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
  • 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
  • Philippians 4:6 (ESV): 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God

We have ambassadorial responsibilities

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
  • Ephesians 6:18–20 (ESV): 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • More ambassadorial-related language:
  • Philippians 3:20 (ESV): 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
  • What does Kingdom ambassadorial work look like in practice?
  • Kingdom ambassadors proclaim the good news of their government’s repatriation program.
  • Kingdom ambassadors represent and promote the kingdom’s culture and values in their daily lives.

  • Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV): 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
  • Kingdom ambassadors spend quality time in their embassies with other ambassadors.

  • John 13:35 (ESV): 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
  • Galatians 6:10 (ESV): 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
  • The love walk we develop in the church is training for the love walk we practice outside the church.

  • Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV): 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

We have judicial responsibilities

  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV): 1When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (ESV): 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

And Who Are We, Really?

Ephesians 2:1–6 (ESV): 1And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

  • Colossians 3:1–2 (ESV): 1 Set If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
  • Ephesians 3:8–10 (ESV): 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Like a Joint Session of Congress

  • Acts 13:2–3 (NKJV):

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

 

Imagine Campaign Reminders and Instructions

  • Your giving toward the building campaign should be over and above your normal tithes and offerings.
  • You should not transfer your money from your tithes and offerings to the building fund.
  • While this may seem obvious to some of you, let me explain why:
        • Number 1: It’s not giving.
        • Number 2: It does not help the church.
        • Number 3: The consequences are multiplied by the other people who think like you.
        • Number 4: Giving for the purpose of being seen as a generous or loyal person is an ungodly motivation for giving.
  • Acts 5:1–11 (ESV): 1But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Sermon Introduction

Your Presence is Expected

Abandoning the Compulsory Attendance Mindset

Defining Church

  • Church is not something you attend. It’s something you are.

Jesus First Use of the Word “Church”

  • The church is an institution that was founded by the Lord.
  • Matthew 16:13–20 (ESV): 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
      • Jesus founded the church
      • And then He gave the church keys

The “Churching” of the Early Church

  • How would the culture have responded to the word “church” in the time of Jesus?

The Historical Origins of the Word “Church”

         The word church is a Greek word.

  • In the Greek, you would say ecclesia (which is also spelled ekklesia)
  • Let’s get some help from Thomas Sullivan, an instructor with the online Study.com, an online education service.
    • “The term ecclesia. . .derives from a Greek word meaning assembly or gathering. It often refers to a formal assembly of people, especially in a political or religious context. In ancient Greek cities, an ecclesia was assembly of citizens who gathered to make decisions about the affairs of the city.”
    • “In the Athenian government, the Ecclesia was a crucial institution that played a central role in the political life of the city. The ecclesia had the power to nominate and elect magistrates, who are responsible for administering the city’s affairs and carrying out the decisions of the assembly. The Ecclesia also had the authority to pass laws, and to decide on issues related to foreign policy, defense, and the administration of justice. The Ecclesia was responsible for establishing the agenda for meetings, and any citizen could propose a matter of discussion. The Athenian assembly would then vote on the proposal, and if it passed, it would be become a law or Policy.”
    • “In addition to its legislative powers, the Ecclesia also participated in the judicial process in Athens. The Ecclesia members would try cases involving serious crimes, such as murder, and they could impose punishments. This made it an important institution for ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law in the city.”
  • The origins of the word church are political, not religious.

How the Disciples Understood the Word “Church”

    • Rome conquered Greece, the nation that originated the term ecclesia, which is translated in English as “church.”
    • When Rome conquered Greece, Rome incorporated the Greek language into Roman culture.

Because of the prominence of the Greek language in the Roman world, Jesus’ disciples would have been familiar with the term ecclesia.

The Church a a Branch of Heaven’s Government

When members of the church miss gatherings, it is comparable to members of congress missing congressional meetings.

The Job of Heaven’s Congress

The Judicial Responsibilities of the Church

  • Matthew 18:15-16 (ESV): 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
  • Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV): 15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.
  • Matthew 18:17 (ESV): 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

The Congressional Powers of the Church

  • Matthew 18:18 (ESV): 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
  • Matthew 18:19 (ESV): 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
  • Matthew 6:9–10 (ESV): 9 . . . .“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
  • Matthew 18:19 (ESV): 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
  • Matthew 18:20 (ESV): 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
      • Quorum = “the minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid.” (Oxford Languages Dictionary Power by Google)

An Examples of the Church “In Session”

  • Acts 4:23–24 (ESV): 23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,
  • Acts 4:29–31 (ESV): 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

 

Acts 2:42–47 (ESV): 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 

Learning to Enjoy What God Has Provided 

  • Numbers 11:1 (ESV): 1 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes.
  • Numbers 11:4–6 (ESV): 4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” 

Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You 

  • James 4:8 (ESV): 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

The Purpose and Definition of Gathering 

  • The Gathering is what happens when we assemble to seek God together.  
  • We assemble to have an encounter with God. 
  • We assemble to see God. 
  • Matthew 5:8 (ESV): 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

We Gathered from The Beginning 

  • Genesis 3:8 (ESV): 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. . . . 
  • Genesis 3:8 (ESV): 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.  
  • 1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 
  • Matthew 18:20 (ESV): 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
  • Genesis 2:10–14 (ESV): 10 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. 14 And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
  • Genesis 3:11 (ESV): 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? . . .
  • Genesis 2:25 (ESV): 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. 

How Do We Glorify God? 

Introduction 

David’s Building Campaign (Background) 

  • Acts 13:36 (ESV): 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption.

 David’s Building Campaign (the Ceremony) 

1 Chronicles 29:1 (ESV): 1 And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God.  

  • How do you do something for God?

1 Chronicles 29:2 (ESV): 2 So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble.  

  • Do what you are able.

1 Chronicles 29:3-4 (ESV): 3 Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: 4 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house,  

  • Give what is personal.

1 Chronicles 29:5 (ESV): 5 and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?”  

  • Give willingly.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 
  • Make your vow to the Lord, not the church.

1 Chronicles 29:6-8 (ESV): 6 Then the leaders of fathers’ houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king’s work. 7 They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. 8 And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite.  

  • Be a leader.

1 Chronicles 29:9 (ESV): 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.  

  • Joy follows sacrifice if it’s given willingly, wholeheartedly and freely.
  • Willingly
  • Wholeheartedly
  • Freely

1 Chronicles 29:10-14 (ESV): 14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.  

1 Chronicles 29:10 (ESV): 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. 18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. 19 Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.” 

The Purpose of the Building is to Gather 

Beyond Financial Sacrifice 

Spiritual Commitment: Devotional or Cultural? 

Happened to the Things We Used to Do? 

The Trade-Offs of the Culture of Convenience 

We Win Together, We Lose Together 

Keep That Same Energy 

The Jewish Building Campaign as a Catalyst for Revival 

2 Chronicles 5:1-6 (ESV): 1Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, and stored the silver, the gold, and all the vessels in the treasuries of the house of God. 2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses of the people of Israel, in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 3 And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast that is in the seventh month. 4 And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. 5 And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the Levitical priests brought them up. 6 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 

2 Chronicles 5:12-14 (ESV): 12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; 13 and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God. 

2 Chronicles 7:1-3 (ESV): 1 And As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”  

New Testament Example of God Receiving the Sacrifice of Praise 

  • Acts 4:24 (ESV): 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 
  • Acts 4:31 (ESV): 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 

The Early Church was Devoted to the Gathering 

  • Acts 2:42–47 (ESV): 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 

We are the Building 

1 Peter 2:4–5 (ESV): 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.