What is the message of the church for today?
I. The Message of the Church is the Gospel (1 Timothy 3:15; John 8:32; 12:48)
The central message of the church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the good news that sets captives free, liberates the oppressed, and reconciles humanity with God. The Gospel is the message of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the truth that brings light and exposes the darkness of sin. As believers, we are called to be stewards of this message, sharing it boldly and lovingly with a hurting world.
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II. The Message of the Church Never Changes (1 Peter 1:22-23)
Amidst the ever-changing currents of culture, the message of the church remains constant and true. The Word of God endures forever, and the Gospel stands as an unwavering beacon of hope throughout generations. The message of redemption, grace, and love through Christ's sacrifice remains relevant and powerful, speaking to the deepest longings of the human heart.
III. The Message of the Church is Strange to the World (Acts 17:19-20)
The message of the church may seem strange to a world that embraces relativism and moral ambiguity. The Gospel challenges the prevailing ideologies of our time, calling people to repentance and surrender to God's will. It confronts the notion that self-fulfillment and worldly pursuits are the ultimate goals, instead pointing to a life centered on God's purpose and love.
IV. The Message of the Church is Strange When Practiced (1 Peter 4:3-4)
Living out the message of the church may also appear strange to a culture driven by selfish desires and hedonism. Choosing holiness and righteousness over the indulgence of the flesh can be countercultural and even unpopular. However, when we practice the message of the church in our daily lives, we become a living testimony to the transforming power of God's grace and the joy found in surrendering to Him.
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V. The Message of the Church Not Well-Received By All (John 15:18-21)
As followers of Christ, we must understand that the message of the church may not be well-received by everyone. Jesus Himself warned us that the world would hate us because it first hated Him. The truth of the Gospel challenges the values and beliefs of the world. As we stand for righteousness and truth, we may encounter opposition, ridicule, or even persecution. Despite this, we must remain faithful to the call to proclaim the Gospel boldly and lovingly.
VI. The Message of the Church Not Appealing To All (1 John 4:5-6)
The message of the church may not always appeal to everyone, especially to those who are in darkness. The world may be drawn to teachings that align with their desires and ideologies. However, the Gospel calls us to discern the spirits and hold fast to the truth of God's Word. While some may reject the message, we are called to stand firm and speak the truth in love, even when it is challenging or unpopular.
VII. Faithful Preachers Will Still Proclaim It (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
In the face of opposition and resistance, faithful preachers of the Gospel will not be deterred. As Paul encouraged Timothy, we are to preach the Word in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patience and teaching. Despite the world's reaction, we must faithfully declare the message of salvation and hope found in Jesus Christ.
VIII. The Message of the Church Is for Edifying Itself (Ephesians 4:12)
The message of the church is not only for reaching the lost but also for building up the body of Christ. As believers, we are called to equip one another for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. The message of the Gospel strengthens and encourages us to grow in faith, love, and unity. As we edify one another, we become a powerful force for good in the world.
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Conclusion:
Dear friends, the message of the church remains as relevant and powerful today as it was in the time of the apostles. Though it may not be well-received or appealing to all, we are called to stand firm in the truth and love of Christ. Faithful preachers will continue to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and patience, trusting in God's work in the hearts of those who hear.
Let us also remember that the message of the church is not only for reaching the lost but also for edifying and strengthening the body of Christ. As we embrace and proclaim this message, may our lives be a reflection of Christ's love and grace, drawing others to the transformative power of the Gospel.