Sermon Notes: What is Church Date:9/1/2024
Ministries Mississippi 234 Lebanon Road Ackerman, MS 39735 662-861-9358
Key Scriptures: Word to Learn: ekklesia
This Week's Scriptures The ancient Greek word ekklesia Matthew 16:18 was not primarily a religious word at Acts 2:47, 2:46 all; it just meant, “group” or “called-Acts 20:7 out group.”
Notes:
A church is more than just a building where people gather for worship; it is a community of believers united by their faith in Jesus Christ.
In its truest sense, the church embodies the Body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in fulfilling the mission of spreading the Gospel, nurturing spiritual growth, and serving others in love.
Rooted in the teachings of the Bible, the church aims to be a place of fellowship, discipleship, and worship, reflecting the love and grace of God to the community and the world.
However, some churches have faced downfalls over time due to various issues such as internal conflicts, moral failings, and a drift from biblical teachings.
These challenges can lead to division, disillusionment among members, and a weakening of the church's witness in the community.
Let this be a reminder of the importance of staying true to the foundational principles of the faith and maintaining a Christ-centered focus.
The goal is to maintain the essence of the early church as depicted in the Book of Acts.
The Acts church was characterized by its devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. It was a vibrant community marked by unity, generosity, and a powerful witness to the surrounding world.
By striving to emulate the principles and practices of the Acts church, we can seek to remain steadfast in their mission, fostering a community that reflects the heart of Christ and His kingdom.
Church services are not just weekly gatherings; they are opportunities to connect with God, grow in faith, and build a sense of community.
They provide a space where individuals and families can come together to worship, learn, and support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Our vision for these services is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background or where they are in their faith journey.
Matthew 16:18-And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
- I also say to you that you are Peter: This was not only recognition of Peter’s more Roman name; it was also a promise of God’s work in Peter. The name Peter means “Rock.” Though perhaps unlikely, Peter was a rock, and would become a rock. God was and would transform his naturally extreme character into something solid and reliable.
Acts 2:47-I want to talk to you about a powerful verse found in Acts 2:47, which reads, "And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." This verse speaks to the explosive growth of the early Church and the incredible work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:46, which reads, "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts." This verse speaks to the characteristics of the early Church, which we can learn from and strive to emulate in our own lives as believers.
Acts 20:7-
I want to talk to you about a powerful verse found in Acts 20:7, which reads, "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." This verse speaks to the characteristics of the early Church, which we can learn from and strive to emulate in our own lives as believers.
