THE JESUS' PLAN
Church Orientation & Recruitment of Elders
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1. TO BUILD HIS CHURCH UPON HIMSELF
MAT 16:13-19 (This is the first time Jesus mentioned the word church)
“I will build my church.” He owns the Church! The church belongs to
Him. He is the Head of the Church.
The Church therefore is defined as:
- People who know who the Real Jesus is, as revealed by God and not by
man. V.17
- People who are built on Jesus as their Rock-foundation will prevail against the gates of Hell.
V.18
- People who are empowered by Jesus to implement the dominion or Rule of
Heaven on Earth. V.19
Readings EPH 1:10, 22; 4:15; 5:23; COL 1:18; 2:10 Jesus
is the Head. 1CO 3:11 Jesus is the Foundation.
EPH 2:21-22 We are being built
together as God’s dwelling place.
2. TO BUILD HIS CHURCH AROUND HIMSELF
MAT 18:15-20 (This is the second time Jesus
mentioned the word church). Yes, Jesus forgave us and saved us.
But He also maintains us – continues to work in us and through us. He is doing
this by His Presence in the Church! The church therefore is defines as:
- People who have
been forgiven and therefore must watch out for each other. V.15-16.
- People who live
for God and are different and distinct from non-believers in their life, faith
and practice.. V.17.
- People who agree
together in implementing the will of God on earth. V.18-19.
- People who
connect with each other around the person and presence of Jesus. V. 20.
Readings GAL 6:1-2, 10; We need each other.
1CO 5:9-13 We must maintain purity in our life and fellowship. 2CO
6:14-18; We are distinct people. 1JO 1:7 We fellowship in
the light.
3. TO BUILD HIS CHURCH USING HIS CHURCH
MAT 28:18-20 (Also ACT 1:8). In His ministry,
Jesus focused only on the few disciples in teaching and transforming them, but
His eye is really on the whole world. After His resurrection and before He
ascended to heaven, Jesus gave this great Commission to His church. So the plan
to save the whole world includes your personal involvement and obedience. The
church therefore is defines as:
People who are
commissioned by the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. V. 18-19a
People whose job
is to go and make disciples of other people in the world. V. 19b-20a
People who would
do this while in the presence of Jesus until the end of the age. V.20 b.
Readings: MAR 16:19-20 The
disciples preached everywhere, Jesus working with them! ( spiritual
and personal presence); PHI
1:5-7 The disciples are working as Partners for the Gospel.
WHAT TO DO
- Celebrate the Birth of Jesus’ church in your town.
- Continue in the
Father’s revelation teaching about His Son Jesus Christ.
- Continue to
connect with all the other believers in a practical way.
- Organize
yourselves together as Partners in the Ministry
- Be continually
filled with Power from on High, the Holy Spirit.
- Discover your
gifts, develop them and utilize them for the service of Jesus.
- Get involved in
the life and ministry of the new Church.
- Be the kind of
Church that Jesus wants you to be.
