What does a biblical church look like? We can see from Scripture seven essentials necessary for a
church to find and fulfill its purpose in this world. They are:
1) A commitment to VISION (what we want to see);
2) A commitment to MISSION (how we get there);
3) A commitment to the WORD of God;
4) A commitment to biblical WORSHIP;
5) A commitment to EVANGELISM (world & personal);
6) A commitment to DISCIPLESHIP;
7) A commitment to UNITY.
Story of Pilgrim Fathers over 350 years ago.
.
POINT 1- The Vision is rooted in the SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD . Eph. 1:11; 3:20-21
4000 new churches start, 7000 close every year.
.
A. CrossRoads did not cease because we still have a PURPOSE. V. 1:11
B. The accomplishment of the vision is grounded in God’s POWER. V. 3:20
C. The reason the church has a vision is to bring our Father PRAISE. V. 3:21
.
14 “For in fact the body is not one member but many…18 But now God has set the
members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased….25 that there should
be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for
one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if
one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18, 25-26
Praise God that over 75 % are involved serving in the body regularly! J
.
POINT 2- The Vision is rooted in the plan of the SAVIOR . Acts 26:18
.
Jesus’ vision is to see ““people’s eyes opened so that they may turn from darkness to light
and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an
inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18
A. We should expect to see people delivered from DARKNESS.
B. We should expect to see people delivered from Satan’s DOMINION.
C. We should expect to see people delivered from the penalty of DEATH.
D. We should expect to see people delivered to a new DESTINY.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;
for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
but….. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
POINT 3- The Vision is rooted in the Lord’s SECURITY . Matthew 16:18
.
A. This is the Lord’s vision and is guaranteed to be SUCCESSFUL.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also;
and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 "And whatever
you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 "If you
ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14