Matthew 16:15-18 – I will build my church.
- 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, few were wise, powerful or wealthy.
- First mention of Church (ekklesia)
- God’s Mission was detaching from a specific people in a specific place to include all people in all places!
Paul said that we are now one new people (Ephesians 2:14-18).
- This is the Church, a congregation of people whose sins have been taken away, who have peace with God through faith in Jesus and unity together because of the Holy Spirit.
- It’s never been a hierarchy of priests, cathedrals, and edicts.
1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-12
- Jesus is the cornerstone around which all others are brought into the household of faith.
- YOU are priests to God and have a sacrifice to offer (Romans 12:1)
- Because YOU represent God now, you show others the way.
- We are reconciled and given the task of reconciling others.
Echoes everything Jesus told his disciples from the beginning.
Matthew 4:19 – Follow me and you’ll fish for people.
- Spent the next three years becoming a friend of sinners, drunks, prostitutes and traitors.
- Loving them , serving them, and pointing them to repentance and faith in himself, so they could be reconciled to God.
- Gave them a new law (Matthew 22:36-40).
And they did!
Acts 2:38, 41-47
- Devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching.
- Fellowship with other disciples
- Met in one place AND in homes
- Shared their lives and resources with those in need
- Enjoyed favor with people, who were brought into the ekklesia
Acts 28:28-30
- Most awkward ending because it’s the end of the book. But not the end of the story.
- You are writing a piece of the story right now, with your life.
APPLICATION:
You weren’t rescued for heaven. You were rescued to be reconciled to God. The end expression of your salvation is the glory of God and participation in the rescue of mankind.
Your life is lived in loving others and loving God in congregation.