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When is a church not the Church?

Matthew 16:15-19

English service

September 24, 2023

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15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven.  18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; and whatever you bind on Earth shall have been bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth shall have been loosed in Heaven.” Matthew 16

English service

September 24, 2023

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A church is the ἐκκλησία Church of Lord Jesus when it is an Assembly called out, summoned, by the Spirit of God to be a Community of the Transformed for active service as a Messianic Force, communicating the availability, benefits, and demands of the gospel and living out that gospel as salt and light in this corrupt, dark world.

English service

September 24, 2023

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...Moses went up to God, and Yhwh called to him from the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the children of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy people.’” Exodus 19

English service

September 24, 2023

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God’s Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven, is His domain. His jurisdiction. The realm or sphere of His Sovereignty. Citizenship in His Kingdom is enthusiastically welcoming His Sovereignty in humble submission to His expectations and His assignments. His people dwell in the special favor of His presence and blessing.

English service

September 24, 2023

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Lord Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven; but the one who does the will of My Father Who is in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21

And Lord Jesus said: “...this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and trusts in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise them up on the last day.” John 6:40

English service

September 24, 2023

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When is a church not the Church?

A church is not the Church Lord Jesus is building when they become

  • a Revered Shrine

rather than a Spiritual Assembly

English service

September 24, 2023

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When is a church not the Church?

A church is not the Church Lord Jesus is building when they become

  • a Revered Shrine

  • a Passive Audience

rather than a Transformed Community

English service

September 24, 2023

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When is a church not the Church?

A church is not the Church Lord Jesus is building when they become

  • a Revered Shrine

  • a Passive Audience

  • an Exclusive Club

rather than a Messianic Force

English service

September 24, 2023

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September 24, 2023

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September 24, 2023

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September 24, 2023

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September 24, 2023