2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

The Church within Our Community The church (part 3)

The church in our lives The church (both universal and local) ought to be important to us We ought to consider what we can do for Her. Today, some things we can do together as we seek to reach the lost in our community

Some observations First understand, our goal is not to convert someone to the church (or a congregation), but to Christ. Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 2:21 It is His light we are shining – John 8:12, Matthew 5:16 The church in our lives and community

Some observations However, the church is part of being a Christian. It is part of reflecting Christ Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 We know that when we come together, we are edified both in worship and fellowship And when we let Christ be our focus, His church will be properly reflected The church in our lives and community

Some observations As Christians, letting our lights shine, you could summarize our goal in 2 parts: To get to heaven – Philippians 3:14, 20; 2 Timothy 4:6-8 To take as many with us as possible – Hebrews 10:31, 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 The church in our lives and community

Some observations But how do we reach others? That is the struggle of many While approaches are innumerable, the local church can have a part in this Precedent for visitors – 1 Corinthians 14:16, 22-25 The church in our lives and community

What do visitors want to see? This is NOT about catering to whatever the community wants Answers are varied, and many are superficial – programs for children, entertainment, convenience, doctrinal compromise, etc. But not all are searching for this! The church in our lives and community

What do visitors want to see? Some see through the superficial. Some want the Bible rather than the latest trends Some are searching for a church that puts God and His word first Are we looking for them? While a minority (cf. Matthew 22:14), we ought to be looking for them (John 4:35, Luke 10:2) The church in our lives and community

What do visitors want to see? There are two things many are looking for when they visit: Do they love each other? Are they genuine? God desires these as well! The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Do we love each other? Emphasized in scripture (cf. 1 John 3:10-11, 4:7-8,11, 20-21) Are we the family of God? John 13:34-35, by this all will know… Are we biting and devouring one another? Galatians 5:14-15, 1 John 2:9-11 The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we genuine? Unhypocritical; unpretentious; sincere; not fake or counterfeit We should NOT be just “going through the motions” The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we genuine? 2 Corinthians 6:6, “sincere love” (genuine – NASB) Philippians 2:20, sincerely care (genuinely be concerned – NASB) 2 Timothy 1:5, “genuine faith” (sincere faith – NASB) 1 Peter 1:7, “genuineness of your faith” (proof of your faith – NASB) The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we genuine? We are living in a world filled with the disingenuous (advertising, our leaders, etc.), and sometimes in religion. But we MUST be genuine – 1 Peter 3:15-16 The church in our lives and community

Are we following His pattern? What is God looking for? How are we to be genuine? Are we following His pattern? This is non-negotiable! 1 Peter 1:22, James 3:17, Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Timothy 4:2-3, etc. That which is false is NOT genuine! NOTE we should also consider HOW we present it – Colossians 4:6, James 3:1ff The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we reverent? How are we to be genuine? Are we reverent? Respectful and serious. Fully understanding why we are here and who we are worshipping Hebrews 12:28, 1 Timothy 2:2 If we are reverent, it will be reflected in our worship, appearance, attitude, etc. Psalm 122:1 People notice! The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we holy? Set apart, sanctified. How are we to be genuine? Are we holy? Set apart, sanctified. Is there purity in our lives? Ephesians 5:27, 2 Peter 3:11, 1 Peter 1:14-16 If we are genuine, we will address sin seriously, and practice discipline when needed, etc. It will be part of who we are! The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we engaged? How are we to be genuine? Are we engaged? Are we zealous for good works? Titus 2:14, Romans 12:11 1 Corinthians 15:58, 14:12 Do we actively participate in worship? Do we do our best? Are we eager to learn and apply? Or are we doing just enough to get by? The church in our lives and community

What is God looking for? Are we welcoming? How are we to be genuine? Are we welcoming? Do we let our visitors know we are glad they are here? Do we mean it? Luke 9:11, Jesus “received them and spoke to them” We do a good job of this. But can we do better? Are we partial? James 2:1-9 The church in our lives and community

Am I a genuine Christian?