THE STRENGTH OF THE CHURCH
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: THE STRENGTH OF THE CHURCH
Scripture References: ACTS 15:36-41
Summary:
We belong to the body of Christ, the church. We may not realize it but everyone matters and is important to the family of God. We are the strongest and greatest community on the earth, especially when we’re living in unity and working well together. We are human and that means that things can get a little off here and there. Luke shows us a real moment where Paul and Barnabas disagreed about John Mark joining them on this next trip. They disagreed so much that they went separate ways but ultimately they didn’t let this difference hinder the mission, if anything, it actually multiplied their efforts and allowed them both to raise up apprentices. It’s important that we understand we belong to a family and that our availability and gifts play a huge role in the health and mission of the church. We have a responsibility and should take it seriously to be an active member in the body of Christ. Let’s see what we can apply from our scripture and sermon today.
Notes:
Acts 15:36-41 NLT
If you recall, John Mark had abandoned them previously. Now, they are being commissioned to go on another missionary journey and Mark has apparently expressed his desire to go on this journey. Paul and Barnabas disagree with Mark’s presence on the next trip.
Barnabas, an encourager, wanted to give Mark another chance. Paul, an aggressive pioneer or missionary, needed dependability and Mark didn’t prove that he was dependable.
Paul and Barnabas are both spirit-filled men with fair viewpoints, neither one was wrong.
God doesn’t let this hinder the church, instead, they multiply themselves into two more people and two trips and spread the gospel.
We don’t get to read about Barnabas’ life after this and the rest of Acts focuses on Paul’s remaining missionary journeys. Later, Paul desires for Mark to join him because he finds him helpful and Paul gives positive feedback about Barnabas. In time, the disagreement was water under the bridge.
I feel torn between the two decisions. I lean towards Barnabas’ decision but understand why Paul wouldn’t trust Mark and is looking for someone reliable. I probably would have given Mark another chance but I wasn’t there and we aren’t completely aware of the situation. Either way, Mark proved himself because Paul later found him useful.
The apostles had differences but they didn't let it hinder the mission. The greater purpose for the gospel was preserved and ultimately fulfilled.
I purposely saved this portion of scripture for today because it brings to light the importance of the church body being reliable and working well together.
We belong to the body, the church of Jesus Christ
Ephesians 1:22-23 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
Romans 12:4-5 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Ephesians 4:1-6 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Acts 1-15 has given us several examples of how valuable and essential it is for the church to be healthy and strong for the mission of God.
The book began with the church united in prayer and worship and that’s when the Holy Spirit came and filled them all.
Acts 2:42-47 gives us an example of the devotion and commitment to one another:
Acts 2:42-47 NLT All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
In Acts 4 they prayed and worshiped together and the Spirit came over them. In Acts 6 they worked together to fix the distribution tables for widows. In Acts 8 and 9 we see the gifts of evangelism and encouragement to spread the gospel and disciple Paul. In Acts 10 and 11 we see the body expand to a whole new group of people. In Acts 12 we see a church praying for Peter to be rescued from prison. In acts 13 we see the church commissioning missionaries Barnabas and Paul. And in Acts 15 we see a church come together for the sake of preserving the gospel and unity in the body of Christ.
What are the implications of belonging to the body, the church of Jesus Christ?
We belong to the spiritual and physical family of Jesus Christ.
The Church of Jesus Christ is the strongest and most powerful family and community in the world. The reason for this is because Jesus is the head, the leader, the mind, and the source of all life for the family and community of believers, the church. Secondly, we’ve been loved and saved by God with His grace and promise of everlasting life. Thirdly, we’ve been empowered and gifted by the Holy Spirit to do His work. Lastly, (I could go longer) God has given us the greatest purpose worth living for, to join Him in seeking and saving the lost…to empty hell and fill heaven!
The church should rely on Jesus to feed and lead us forward
The brain sends transmissions to the body to do what it’s supposed to do. Jesus is the head, the mind, the leader, and the authority that develops our thinking and directs our doing. Scripture says we have the mind of Christ (1 cor. 2:16).
Jesus is our source of life and everything in between. He is our source so we can be resourceful. He is dependable.
He gives gifts and leadership to the church to be equipped to build up the body (mature, make whole, be fruitful) and therefore be glorified so all may know His love and become followers of Jesus.
We are interconnected and interdependent on one another
We can’t be solo Christians, we belong to a spiritual family.
We don’t think of ourselves we consider the needs and interests of others. We are considerate of others because we’re not the only ones.
We don’t just rely on and depend on others, we are reliable and dependable too. In other words, we don’t just receive but we give.
We have a responsibility to care for one another’s growth.
We see our value and importance in the family of God and look for ways to be a blessing to everyone.
Rather than spending our time pointing out frivolous problems, we look for ways to contribute and be a solution to the mission of the church (make disciples).
We work as a team (imagine if I didn’t show up). The body is counting on one another (leg falls asleep).
We are loved and gifted by God to strengthen the church and fulfill the great commission.
In a large church, it can be assumed that we have plenty of people helping but that's not the case.
Example: worship team, tech and media team, usher team, hospitality team, host team, connections and care team, parking team, security team, nursery and kids team, rangers team, creative arts team, youth leaders, young adult leaders, altar and prayer team, facilities and maintenance team, benevolence team, small group leaders, outreach and missions team, CEF team, Operation Christmas Child team, Thanksgiving feast team, fall and easter fest teams, women’s and men’s ministry team, I’m missing some I’m sure…none of these important ministries and events could take place without hearts willing to invest time in serving and using their gifts.
What passions has God given you? What spiritual gifts has God given you? What has God given you to be a blessing to the church and to the mission to reach the lost?
Discover, Develop, and Deploy our gifts to contribute, give, and serve in the mission.
Close:
The strength of the church comes from submitting, trusting and following Jesus.
The strength of the church comes from everyone growing in the truth, love, and power of Jesus Christ.
The strength of the church comes from knowing our place and gifts in the body and then working together.
The strength of the church determines our effectiveness in the great commission of making disciples.
The church is healthier when it's more involved in the mission.
If we are holy, loving, and available then we will be ready for those coming into the faith and family of God.
Discussion:
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
Why is it important to remember we are part of the body of Christ?
What are the implications and responsibilities of being a part of the church?
What passions and gifts have you noticed God has given or that you’ve operated in?
What do we need to stop doing as a member of the body of Christ?
What takeaways or points did you find the most important to you during the sermon?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!