BEING A CHURCH

What is church? What true church of Jesus Christ looks like? It is undeniable that there are various kinds of churches today.

There are TWO CATEGORIES of CHURCH.

1)   VISIBLE CHURCH: is characterized by what tangible. What we see which is the building and its organization. Its unique ceremonial practices and organizational system. 

2)   INVISIBLE CHURCH: refers to the fellowship of all believers throughout ages from all places and all peoples. The keyword here is the PEOPLE. Not the building. Nor the organizational system. THE PEOPLE. THE BELIEVERS who have and display a sense of UNITY and COMMUNION as the REDEEMED. Sinner who are JUSTIFIED and SANCTIFIED by the BLOOD OF JESUS. This is the CHURCH. The PEOPLE who have responded to God’s saving grace.

What true church of Jesus Christ is about and looks like?

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:
1)   IS A FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNION OF ALL BELIEVERS

Church, in Greek Word, EKKLESIA. It’s a combination of EK and KALEO. EK means “OUT OF” “OUT FROM” and KALEO means “CALLED” “SUMMONED”. Ekklesia means “the Called-Out Ones”. 

 If Church is defined as the “Called-Out Ones”. Logically, we ask … call out from what? 

 1)     The believers are called out from DEATH to LIFE (Eph 2:1-10). 

2)     The believers are out from DARKNESS to LIGHT (1 Pet 2:9). 

3)   The believers are called out from IMPURE TO A HOLY LIVING (1 Thess 4:7 ; 2 Tim 1:9). 

4)     The believers are called out from satan’s kingdom into GOD’s KINGDOM (Col 1:13-14). 

5)     The believers are called out from slavery of sin to be A CHILD OF GOD and BRIDE OF CHRIST (John 1:12, Gal 3:26)

As a body of Christ, CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS EXIST TO: #1 LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Jesus commanded this very clearly, “This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:17). Simply love is THOUGHTFUL & PRACTICAL ACTION. TO DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU (Mat 7:12)

#2. As a body of Christ, CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS EXIST TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:
2)  TEACHES JESUS’ MESSAGE EXCLUSIVELY & FAITHFULLY

 In Matthew 28:18-20, in what is known to be the Great Commission, Jesus said, “18 …, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 19and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded You. And surely I am with You always, to the very end of the age.”

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST MUST TEACH JESUS’ MESSAGES AS EXLCUSIVELY, PURELY & FAITHFULLY!  The believers’ heart need to be directed toward THE NEW HEAVEN THE NEW EARTH. HOPE IN THE LIFE TO COME. 

 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST:
3)  PREPARES THE BELIEVERS TO THE RETURNING OF THE LORD

 Church has a prime task and responsibility – which is DISCIPLESHIP. Church does not aim to merely gather crowds. Nor just to build fanbase. Church of Jesus Christ aims to disciple people to be Christ’s people or the Kingdom citizen. These are the people whose character is reflecting Christ. This objective is superior above all others.   

The more mature we are in our knowledge of God, the simpler our philosophy of life will be. 

Have you ever pondered why do we sing songs when we meet corporately as a body of believers? Is it God an egomaniac that He has the need to be praised and worshipped by us? How our praise and worship benefits God? Is it benefiting God? or benefiting us? Is there any difference between praising and worshipping? How should we praise and worship God in ways that are acceptable to Him? What are the characteristics of true worshippers? 

Jesus says in John 4:22-24, that God the Father is seeking “true worshippers”. In this short sermon, we will explore the "basic" of what Praise and Worship is about, and why we must praise and worship God as God's people. May you be blessed!

PRAYER
Key Scriptures: Mat 6:6-14, 1 John 1:14-15; 1 Thess 5:17

Prayer is an important part of the life of a religious person. There is almost no religion that does not have the concept of prayer in its religion. Prayer is often considered as the means for people to communicate with what they consider to be the divine - god -  or the  higher power they believe in.

 However, generally speaking, regardless, for many people, one of the hardest things to do in life today is praying. Life can be so hectic that people have hard time to slow down and to be quiet and to pray. In today’s society, people prize productivity and accomplishment so much that praying feels like a waste of time and useless. Today, people value intellect, competency, efficiency and wealth that many believe that they can do life okay as long as they have those things. There’s no need of depending on anyone. Let alone on something called “god” whom they are uncertain of its existence or presence. Thus, praying is viewed as “nice” but impratical.

Yet, sadly, the reality is also not so much different from those who call themselves a Christian. Many Christians are struggling to have a consistent and quality of prayer life. 

Jesus prayed! He taught His disciples how to pray! How should we integrate prayer in our spiritual life daily? How should we pray biblically?  

Key Scripture Reading; 1 PET 2:9

Pentecost is a significant event because it is:

 1)   THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW COVENANT   

 Long before the Holy Spirit was poured out in the event we refer to as the Pentecost. Prophet Joel had actually already prophesied this event (Act 2:17-21 ; Joel 2:28-29). 

 “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29)

What are the practical implication of this NEW COVENANT? What does it mean of being – THE NEW TESTAMENT PEOPLE OF GOD?

 A)   NT BELIEVERS ARE A “ROYAL PRIESTHOOD”

 As Peter said, “You are a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD”. It means that each believers – you and I – have the amazing privilege AND “priestly” calling and responsibility to serve God. Serving here means SERVING HIS HEART – FIRST and FOREMOST

And to be able to serve Him, and to serve Him properly you must live in righteousness and be holy people. TO BE HOLY NATION. There has to be a new deeper realization that I am called to an ongoing repentance and sanctification. This is the work in progress. There’s no shortcut. It requires diligence and commitment.

B)   NT BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO BE “TRUE” WORSHIPPERS

 Jesus says, in John 4:24, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.”  

 God seeks believers who are earnest and contrite in spirit seeking His face and only to live FOR HIM to the fullest. ONLY FOR HIS INTEREST. ONLY FOR HIS PURPOSE.

How we often  sing, “I belong to you, God!” But what belong to God mean? it means to LIVE IN TOTAL OBEDIENCE. TO LIVE FOR HIM TO THE FULLEST. TO LIVE ONLY FOR HIS INTEREST. ONLY FOR HIS PURPOSE.

C)    NT BELIEVERS ARE PEOPLE OF GOD WHO HUNGER AND THRIST FOR GOD

In Acts 2:1, Jesus’ early disciples – around 120 people at least – were ALSO TOGETHER in ONE PLACE when the Holy Spirit was poured out. As the New Covenant people, there’s a significance placed on the “being” “gathering” “fellowship” "being in a communion with”  the people God. It’s no longer about the building, nor specific location, BUT, instead  more of the INTENT, MOTIVATION and the QUALITY of that COMMUNION and FELLOWSHIP. 

Church is to be an AUTHENTIC Community of faith. Where we come together NOT because it is a ROUTINE activity for a Christian. NOT because it is your “SOCIAL GROUP”. Nor it because of wanting to be ENTERTAINED. 

We come together because:
-       We CARE TO KNOW GOD’S TRUTH. 

-       WE CARE TO COLLECTIVELY HONOR GOD WITH OUR PRAISES, PRAYERS, GIFT AND OFFERING.

-       WE CARE ABOUT GOD’S INTEREST (WE HAVE WORK TO DO TOGETHER). WE WANT TO FULFILL HIS DREAM AND DESIRE. 

-       WE AUTHENTICALLY CARE FOR EACH OTHER (WE NEED EACH OTHER TO COMPLETE THIS RACE OF FAITH). WE NEED THE COMPANIONSHIP, ENCOURAGEMENT AND COMFORT.

THE NEW DAWN OF THE NEW COVENANT IS HERE! WE HAVE TO BE A DIFFERENT KIND CHRISTIAN. JESUS’ TEACHING IS OUR CENTER. JESUS’ MESSAGE IS CLEAR! 

 THE NEW COVENANT PEOPLE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD THAT GOD PUT HIS LAW IN THEIR HEARTS!   

 -       To be Royal Priesthood

-       To be Holy Nation

-       To

Key Scripture Reading: EPH 4:17-24

One of the most significant functions of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers today is to RENEW THEIR MIND. [The Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of believers by RENEWAL OF THEIR MIND]

Paul said, “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance…”  

 Why is mind emphasized here? Because mind is powerfully influential in life. It plays a very essential role in setting a standard of life and experiencing the quality of life. Generally, we chase after the standard the mind creates. We react positively or negatively based on that standard. Our mind directs our lives.

So for our nature, character, lifestyle and quality of life to change, our mind has to change! Therefore, the Holy Spirit is sent to assist and empower us to change our mindset. Because only when our mind and the quality of our mindset is renewed then we can begin to capture the heart and the mind of God. We can begin to live in accordance to the holiness and righteousness of God. 

As we learn to give our lives to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, Holy Spirit will guide us through both the LOGOS and the RHEMA – involving all the lives experiences we go through as a way to RENEW our mind. 

For us the follower of Jesus Christ, one of our new philosophy of life must be like Jesus’ was: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34) “My life is no longer mine. Jesus lives in me. I belong to God.” “my citizenship is not here, but in heaven. Therefore, I am returning there. The remaining of my life here is only years of preparation for me to put on a new self and to practice living in true righteousness and holiness, before I stand giving an account before the King of kings

  Time is the essence here. We cannot change our mind in an instant. The change of mind is the result of an ongoing and long intentional struggle and battle. It takes time! Are you willing seriously to orient your lives toward it?  May the Holy Spirit help and empower us all! AMEN!  

Key Scripture Reading: JOHN 15:26-27 ,  ACTS 1:8 , 2 TIM 1:8-9

The Holy Spirit is provided to TESTIFY ABOUT CHRIST and for the believers TO BE CHRIST’ WITNESSES.

HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES US TO BE CHRIST’ WITNESS?
1)   By Dwelling Permanently Within Us
There’s a different way in how the Holy Spirit works in the NT era as compared to in the OT. In the OT, when God’s Spirit came down upon certain people, normally it’s temporal and situational. In this NT era, The Holy Spirit is provided to dwell in us permanently in order to transform us permanently. The Holy Spirit aims to intimately rest in our lives to guide us to the Truth and to do an intensive internal work!  in the NT, the believers are the temple of the Spirit of God. Because the HOLY SPIRIT IS to DWELL PERMANENTLY in us, we must learn to continuously walk with the Holy Spirit.

2)   BY EQUIPPING & EMPOWERING US WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The Church – the body of Christ - always needs the Holy Spirit. We need to acknowledge His presence and His active role/function to bring spiritual growth – both in personal and communal experience, and also both in tern of from quality as well as quantity.

The Bible describes the many roles of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the church: The Holy Spirit:
-       Causes the growth in number (Acts 2:1-40)
-       Creates a healthy congregational life (Acts 2:41-47)
-       Releases the gifts that are useful for the growth of the congregation (1 Cor 12-14)
-       Gives the ability or courage to speak (Luk 12:12)

When it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
First, It is God’s GIFT. God is THE GIVER. And He gives to whoever He wants to give.
Second, The Gifts of the Spirit are given to EDIFY and GLORIFY GOD.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used ALIGNED with GOD’S PURPOSE – to be used ORDERLY and APPROPRIATELY. It is NOT the focus of our faith nor salvation!

3)   BY BEARING THE FRUITS
Our greatest testimony about Christ, and the most effective way of witnessing for Christ is through the fruits we produce. It is LESS of YOUR GIFTS, BUT MORE of YOUR FRUITS that matter!

The NT believers  testify about Christ and being a witness for Him – by “being a showcase” for Christ. That’s how the early church operated - “Christ-likeness”. Their mindset, values, purpose, priority and lifestyle all reflect Christ’s. When we are able to present Christ to the world in the most plain and practical ways – ways that they cannot deny it - they could say “There must be true God. God whom the Christians worship must be real! Look at their lives!” 

Being baptized by the Holy Spirit means the believers are being immersed in a life of authentic fellowship with God and Jesus Christ through the Spirit of God. WHAT KIND OF LIFE is this? HOLY and SANCTIFIED LIFE.

And this has become possible since the event of Pentecost onward. Our body has become the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should not defile with sin any longer. Be careful how we live. Glorify God with our body and our lives (1 Cor 6:12-20). AMEN!

Key Scripture Reading: MAT 5:48 ; 1 PET 1:15-16 ; HEB 12:10

Not everyone is comfortable with the word “perfection” “be perfect” – let alone “be holy”.  From theological standpoint, the concept of perfection or being perfect is still also continuously being challenged and debated. There are still more Christians who doubt it than believe in it. Thinking the idea of being perfect and holy is unattainable. Some even mistakenly perceive the idea as being ungrateful and arrogant. “Isn’t God’s grace is enough? Aren’t we saved ONLY by grace in faith? If then, why are you trying to go back to earn it by your works – trying to be perfect?”  

 Even pastors also often uncomfortable to preach passionately and firmly on this topic, because they themselves realize their imperfection and struggles with their sinful nature. And yet unfortunately, in the process, they undermine that the fact AND the truth is God desires and truly calls His people to be holy, blameless, and perfect.

What kind of perfection that God wants His people to achieve? What does it look like? For us to be ever increasingly attaining PERFECT LOVE – first and foremost toward God, and then toward others. Our perfect love toward God is evidenced through total and obedience to His will. While perfect love toward others is when we are increasingly able to love others like we love ourselves.

The authenticity of our faith is when we work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Striving to give God the pleasure as MAXIMALLY as COMPLETELY or as PERFECTLY as I could.  And to live with that constant awareness and commitment that God whom I serve is Holy – that the God who will evaluate and judge me in the end is Holy.

God demands a higher moral standard for His people. For the God’s chosen people of the Old Testament, they were only required to do the Law (the Torah) as best or as perfect as possible. But for us New Testament people, we are required to be like Jesus. AMEN. 

Key Scripture Reading: Acts 1:6-11 (NLT)

1)   Jesus’ Ascension Proves that He is the Immortal & Sovereign GOD

Jesus Christ proved to the eyewitness that He came from the above. And He knows the way how to return there. In the Book of John, Jesus said, “… for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about Me” (John 8:14). Jesus Christ is not a mere prophet. He’s not a heavenly creature, like angel. He is GOD. He is THE SON of GOD. He is the CREATOR GOD. One of the Persons in the Godhead (the Elohim). THE IMMORTAL GOD. THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. He is the ALPHA and OMEGA. 

 From the beginning of time, God the Father had bestowed upon the Son the power and authorities to create and rule the universe. He lived and came from a place of indescribable glory and majesty. 

2)   Jesus’ Ascension Contains The Ultimate Promise

 v.9 “…He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see Him.” V11 “…but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!”. These statements are very important because it contains promise that the day will come that Jesus Christ will return in the same way. 

 In John 14:1-2, Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go … I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am… “

 As Christians, this is what supposed to give us the greatest excitement while we are still breathing and living here in this barren world. There will be the end of all the uncertainties, exhaustion, loneliness, troubles, conflicts, unfulfillment, suffering in our lives.

Jesus Christ will come back to end the history of this broken world, and make all things new. We have a LIVING HOPE! AMEN!