What's the Point? - Part 1 [Notes]

Many in our society today have concluded the church is no longer relevant. They reason that they can turn to other organizations to meet their relational needs, and they can determine their own morality and values by "looking inward." So why bother with the church? Simply, Jesus is excited about building His church, and God's people continue to be the light of the world. What we do and how we are different from the world makes the church essential to a society that is slipping further away from God.

Join us for "What's the Point?"  We will be looking at the exciting ways we are able to make a positive difference in this world!

Today's Takeaway // We need to see the church in 3D .

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.”
– Matthew 16:18 (HCSB)

Ekklesia - a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
– biblestudytools.com

“In the beginning the church was a fellowship between men and women centering on the living Christ. The church moved to Greece, where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome, where it became an institution. Next it moved to Europe, where it became a culture. And finally, it moved to America, where it became an enterprise.”
– Richard Halverson

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.”
– Matthew 16:13-18 (HCSB)

“Give greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but all the Gentile churches. Greet also the church that meets in their homes.”
– Romans 16:3-5a (HCSB)

“So those who accepted his (Peter’s) message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.”
– Acts 2:41 (HCSB)

“The Jews generally looked on baptism as a rite only for Gentile converts (i.e., proselytes), not for one born a Jew. It symbolized the break with one’s Gentile past and the washing away of all defilement. So when Jews accepted baptism in the name of Jesus on hearing Peter’s message, it was traumatic and significant for them in a way we in our mildly Christianized culture have difficulty understanding.”
– Richard Longenecker, Expositor's Bible Commentary

The Great Commandment // “He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
– Matthew 22:37-39 (HCSB)

The Great Commission // “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”
– Matthew 28:19-20a (HCSB)

“And they (those 3,000 new believers and 120 believers) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common…They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house.”
– Acts 2:42, 44-46a (HCSB)

Koinonia - a deep and intimate fellowship or sharing common interests, beliefs, and experiences with each other.
– Precept Austin

They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.”
– Acts 2:46b-47 (HCSB)

“The early church had none of the things that we think so essential for success today - buildings, money, political influence, social status - and yet the church won multitudes to Christ and saw many churches established throughout the Roman world.”
– Vance Havner

“And they (those 3,000 new believers and 120 believers) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common…They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house.”
– Acts 2:42, 44-46a (HCSB)

“Notice that this single-minded, steady focus was not just regarding teaching, but included fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. And to reiterate, they did not casually, passively, half-heartedly, every once in a while do these things...they steadfastly, single-mindedly pursued this course of action. Are those our priorities as a Christian? The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing! Amen. So they were a learning people, a loving people, a worshiping (communion, worship) people and a praying people. Those are the main things. If you don't have these, you cannot have a church. How are we doing?”
– W. A. Criswell

“For I received what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (HCSB)

Sunday's Comin' // I Believe // Evidence // Hymn of Heaven

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