May 15, 2005

The Body of Christ

The Purpose of the Body
Steve Lane

A.
For the children

The body of Christ

B.
Review/Introduction

The purposes of the church are you purposes

C. Some purposes of the church

Acts 2: 42 - 47
Glorify God
1 Chronicles 16: 23 - 29
Romans 12: 1 - 2

Make Disciples - Matthew 28: 17 - 20
Reconcile the world to God - 2 Corinthians 5: 16 - 6: 1
Build up, equip, edify and purify itself - Ephesians 4: 14: 16

Fellowship
Acts 2: 42 - 47

Serve
Galatians 6: 9 - 10

D.
Common factors in recent Movements of God in the church

Bathed in prayer
Training and structure
Lay leaders
New believers taught normal to share faith - an urgency to following Christ
Commitment to the Bible as undisputed authority - what will bring the most honor to Christ, and what does the Bible say?
Chronological teaching of the Bible
Cells or home churches
Intentional church planting
Cultural relevance - communal implications - western - terminology - family
A price to pay to become a Christian - screens out the uncommitted and screens out the biggest hindrance to the body fulfilling its purpose on this earth
Gather them, then win them
Humility and dependence on God