God's Intention for the Church
April 22, 2018 Speaker: Fred Greco Series: Romans
Topic: AM Service Passage: Romans 1:11–15
What is the Church? Some think it is the name of a building people enter on Sundays. Others think it is a good of people who gather together on Sundays. The truth is that the Church is that, but much more! The Church is the creation of the Lord God for the gathering in of His people and the display of His Kingdom on earth. God intends the Church to be a place where believers in the Lord Jesus Christ gather and display the body of Christ to a watching world; He intends the Church to be a place where believers grow in the understanding of God’s will and Word; and He intends the Church to be a place where the gospel call goes forth with clarity and urgency. The more we understand how important the Church is to the Lord, the more we will know how important it must be for us. That’s why Paul takes the time in the opening of Romans to tell us “God’s Intention for the Church.” (Romans 1:11-15)
I. God Intends the Church to Be a Place of Connection
A. The Church is Where the Spirit Connects
B. The Church is Where People Connect
II. God Intends the Church to Be a Place of Growth
A. The Church is Where Believers Grow in Christ
B. The Church is Where Unbelievers Come to Know Christ
III. God Intends the Church to Be a Place of the Gospel
A. The Church Has an Obligation to Preach the Gospel
B. The Church Must be Eager to Preach the Gospel
Questions for consideration: (1) Have you considered the importance of the Church in your walk with the Lord? What things tend to draw you away from the Church? (2) How can the Church help you to grow in Christ? How can it help you to share your faith? (3) What things (good or bad) can distract the Church from preaching the gospel? How can we keep the gospel central?
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