THE CHURCH IN SCRIPTURE
This is what our Heavenly Father says about His Church… and His Shepherds; called by Him. Picked by Him. Chosen to do what He will equip them to do. Listen to His words: * Try to read straight through, out loud, without references. Hear it. Believe it. Affirm it. Confirm it. Be encouraged!
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
“So Christ, himself, gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11- 13)
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”(2 Timothy 4:2)
“Then the church (throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria) enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” (Acts 9:31)
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,” (Colossians 1:24)
“From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:16)
“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:15-23)
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:12).
THE POWER OF GOD IN THE CHURCH
The Church is a thriving church of influence. It is revolutionizing the world’s perspective of Church, impacting entire cities, states, and nations, a Church hardly able to contain its growth. We see a Church that Hell simply cannot ignore.
The Church has a message so captivating and clear that lives are forever changed. We see a Church where every believer is unashamed of the Gospel and is daily inviting others to attend.
The Church is leaving a legacy. It is committed to training and mentoring the next generation of leaders. It is building the Kingdom by launching churches around the world, leading thousands of people online, and establishing schools and orphanages in other nations.
The Church is diversified with every race, every age, and every socio-economic level known to man. Diversity is its freedom, not limitation, able to function in unity and complexity, capable of unlimited growth.
The Church is so passionate about worship that it can’t help but awaken onlookers that are far from Christ, their hearts are moved and they realize their need for a Savior.
The Church understands that the fullness of worship is created not only through our music, but also through our obedience, stewardship, serving, and lifestyle. A Church, so consistent and unified with worship, it has gained God’s attention and He responds with daily commands of blessing, favor, increase, restoration, healing, and supernatural provision.
We see thousands of people that have been set-free, encouraged, healed, challenged, delivered and forever changed by encountering God’s unmistakable, undeniable, unquenchable presence. It is filled with people that entered broken, were confronted with the power of the Gospel, and without hesitation made the exchange. It is overflowing with people that are still broken, far from Christ, still wrestling with their own will, their past, their addictions, their inconsistencies, their fears, their desires – yet, our patient, loving God is drawing them to Himself and they too are about to make the exchange.
The Church is vibrant, positive, and friendly. It has a quality that cannot be defined or put into words, but everyone that enters immediately feels accepted and part of the family.
The Church is invading impossible situations and finding creative, Spirit-led solutions to bring justice across the street and around the world.
The Church is a place where every believer is committed to the work of the ministry. It refuses to sit on the sidelines, insists that it will give and not just take, and makes serving in the Church a priority since it is God’s established and chosen mode of reaching the world.
The Church should be on its face before God day and night, counting the cost and ready to pay any price to see revival and restoration sweep this land. It daily bathes ministry in prayer and knows that every good work and accomplishment is in Him, through Him and by Him.
The Church is where divine miracles and the wonders of God are spoken of, experienced and celebrated. Yes, the Church is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it nor stand against it; a Church whose people are continually praying for the breadth and depth of the fullness of God. The Church is reaching beyond itself to awaken greater.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galations 6:9)
Inspirations from: The Bible - ‘Inturrupted’ by Jen Hatmaker - The Exchange Church.
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