The Purpose of the Church (Part 2)
A sermon preached by Drew Cunningham at Santa Cruz Baptist Church about the purpose of the Church, part 2.
The Purpose of the Church (Part 2)
Review
The Local Church Is: “a group of baptized Christians who meet regularly to worship God through Jesus Christ, to be exhorted (taught, challenged, encouraged) from the Word of God, and to celebrate the Lord's Supper under the guidance of duly appointed leaders”
The Purpose of the Church is glorifying God and that happens through 5 ministries (Matthew 22:35-40, 28:19-20)
1. Worship “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”
2. Ministry “love your neighbor”
3. Evangelism “Make disciples”
4. Fellowship “Baptizing them”
5. Discipleship “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”
What is Evangelism?
“Sharing the good news about Jesus.”: Luke 24:44-49, Acts 1:8
Book Recommendations for Evangelism
How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being THAT Guy) by Sam Chan
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever
Evangelism by J. Mack Stiles
A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester
Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman
Who should evangelize?
Everyone, though some have a particular gift for evangelism. (Acts 8:1-4)
Evangelism is NOT the results of evangelism. We are faithful by sharing the gospel, not by people coming to faith. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
Biblical Fellowship is:
“real, shared, spiritual life… friendships that are Christ-centered… Word-Centered… sometimes confronted in the right way” -John MacArthur
Fellowship is a normal part of Christian life. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Discipleship is:
Helping someone by the scriptures to become more like Christ.
Discipleship involves intentional bible study and application with others on a formal or informal basis.
Book Recommendations for Discipleship
Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever
The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
One to One Bible Reading by David Helm
Challenge: Who can you help follow Jesus?