Sermon Notes

As we continue our series on Life Priorities, let’s recap the essential priorities we’ve covered so far as Christians:

• Priority 1: God
• Priority 2: Family
• Priority 3: The Church pt 1 – Defining who the church is, the people not buildings

The third priority is vital because, through the saving work of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection, we have been adopted into the family of God, filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit, and are active members of the body of Christ, also known as the Bride of Christ.

Definition Of The Church

The Greek word used in the New Testament for the Church is “Ekklesia,” which means “the called out ones” or “an assembly of people.” The Church is not merely a building or infrastructure; it refers to those who have accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and embrace the call to follow Him as His disciples.

The Problem: 
The Temptation To Redefine The Church (Vv. 42-47)

• We must always remember that the Church is the people of God, called by God and saved by Christ.
• Every believer represents God’s Church wherever they may go, but when believers assemble together, the purpose of the Church is on full display.

The Resolution: 
The Call To Grow Beyond A Sunday Morning Experience (Matthew 28:18-20)

• Church attendance is important, but attending church is only one aspect of our Christian discipleship.
• Stopping short at just attending church limits our experience of true Christian discipleship

What Does It Mean To Be A Disciple Of Jesus Christ? 

1. Following Jesus – I believe in Jesus as the Son of God. I trust in what He has done for me on the cross, and I believe He is the only way to eternal life.

2. Changed and Changing by Jesus – I choose to obey His teachings and example, allowing myself to be shaped by God’s Word in my everyday life. I have committed my life to being transformed by the Holy Spirit so that I can live more like Jesus.

3. Committed to the Mission of Jesus – I embrace Christ’s mission. As a disciple, I am called to make disciples and share the good news of Jesus, thereby participating in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Celebration: 
The Doors Of The Church Are Always Open (Hebrews 3:15 & Acts 2:47

• Because the Church is the people and not just a building, wherever the people of God assemble, the Church is open for business.
• Anyone who wishes to join the Church of God can do so anytime, anywhere, not just on a Sunday morning.
• Verse 47 is a wonderful picture of God’s grace as the number of believers increased every day as people were giving their lives to Jesus in Jerusalem.

Challenge – As disciples, our role is to engage in the Great Commission given by Jesus: to go and make disciples everywhere we go. Sharing our faith can be challenging, but we can ask God in prayer for the boldness to share Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, we are not responsible for how others respond; our role is simply to share Christ.

Questions

1. What would you say is the difference between a church-goer and a disciple of Jesus?
2. When you first became a Christian what sort of learning, teaching, mentoring or discipling did you receive, from your church or elsewhere?
3. Would you say your church is intentionally equipping people, both new Christians and ‘older’ ones?
4. How can discipleship be developed in your church?
5. How can you help disciple others? See Acts 18:24-27 How is discipleship taking place in this account?
6. Read Matthew 28:16-17, Why do you think some of the disciples doubted Jesus at this point? Have you ever had doubts about your faith as a Christian disciple?