THE CHURCH

Recap Last Week More than “Ecclesia” – Not merely anyone gathered Jesus had the church in mind – Jesus is builder using professions of faith as stones The church is both Universal and Local The Bible uses multiple images of the church – Body, Bride, Building, Brotherhood…etc.

Definition of Church A organism (living stones) made up (organized) of those who believe Jesus is the Christ (Peter’s confession) and have been called out (Ecclesia) by Him through God’s grace and gather together (Local) at locations all over the world (Universal) …

Definition of Church A organism (living stones) made up (organized) of those who believe Jesus is the Christ (Peter’s confession) and have been called out (Ecclesia) by Him through God’s grace and gather together (Local) at locations all over the world (Universal) … To Do?????

Importance of Purpose “Where there is no vision people leave for another parish.” “If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.”

Does God have a purpose for the Church?

Does God have a purpose for the Church at Second Baptist of Shelby?

“If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.”

Purpose the reason for which something exists, made, used, etc. an intended or desired result; end; aim.

Not Our Aim or Desire “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 20:19 “…apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

How do you fulfill a purpose?

Goals Referring to the place where effort is directed.

Objective things that one's efforts or actions are intended toward in order to attain or accomplish a goal.

Put it all together then we fulfill our purpose and achieve our goals If we focus our objectives

What is the purpose (aim) of the Church?

Ephesians 1:3-12 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory

The Purpose “To praise and glorify God for His glorious grace through Jesus Christ.”

God Love’s His Glory God is God-centered – Isaiah 48:9,11 – Ezekiel 36:22-23, 32 – John 12:27-28 – Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14

The Church loves His Glory We must be God-Centered – 1 Samuel 12:22 – Jeremiah 14:7 – Daniel 9:17 – Psalm 79:9, 115:1 – 1 Corinthians 10:31

What do we want for this local church at Shelby? – Growth?

So what is the purpose of Second Baptist Church of Shelby

The Church at Second Baptist of Shelby “We praise and glorify God for His glorious grace through Jesus Christ.”

HOW?

The Five Goals of the Church Worship – Magnify Service – Ministry Evangelism - Missions Fellowship – Membership Discipleship - Maturity