This week, the message centers on the idea that "Our Church is God's Temple." The teaching explores how every believer, as part of the local church, plays a significant role in this living temple. The early church gives us an inspiring picture of what it means to be part of God’s temple, not as a building, but as a people united by faith in Christ.

The Church as a Family

Acts 2:41-47 illustrates a vibrant community where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. This passage shows how the early church embodied the concept of family. The church isn't merely a place we go; it’s who we are. We are part of a fellowship, a family where believers come together and share life.

The message challenges us to ask ourselves, “How much do we care if our church grows?” Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about commitment. If we consider New Life our church, it’s important that we invest in it as a family.

Scripture Reference:

"Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer." (Acts 2:41-42, NLT)

A Living Temple, Not a Location

The Old Testament temple was a physical location, but through Christ, we have become God’s living temple. In the Old Testament, people had to go to the temple to meet God. But Hebrews tells us that this new temple, the church, is better because God comes to us. We are His temple wherever we go.

The church is not tied to a location; it’s a movement of people. Many of us struggle with the belief that we need to change locations or circumstances to find something better, but the problem isn’t external—it’s internal. When Jesus cleared the temple of its corruption (Matthew 21:12-13), He showed us that spiritual sickness comes from a heart that hasn’t been fully surrendered to God.

Scripture Reference:

"Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, NLT)

The Church and Repentance

The message stresses that the solution to spiritual sickness is not changing locations but changing hearts. This change comes through repentance—a turning away from our way to God’s way. When we choose God’s way, we become the church. Salvation is not just personal; it’s communal. When we are saved, we are added to the body of Christ, His church.

No one in the early church was added without being saved, and no one was saved without being added to the church. Salvation and church membership go hand in hand. It’s essential to understand that while anyone is welcome to attend church, only those who are saved can be the church.

Scripture Reference:

"So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." (Ephesians 2:19-20, NLT)

The Value of the Local Church

The importance of gathering as a local body of believers cannot be overstated. In a world where online church is becoming increasingly common, we are reminded that online services are not a replacement for in-per...

When most people think of the Holy Spirit, a variety of images and ideas might come to mind. Some may think of miraculous signs or speaking in tongues, while others might recall the more dramatic, even sensational, displays often associated with charismatic movements. For many, the term "Holy Ghost" evokes a sense of mystery, or perhaps the Holy Spirit feels like an elusive or distant concept altogether.

However, the aim of today’s reflection on Pentecost is to focus on the relationship that every believer is invited to have with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an event, but a divine person with whom we can have an intimate, ongoing relationship—one that transforms not just our individual lives but also the world around us.

The message begins by looking at the moment the apostles were in a state of anticipation, following the instruction of Jesus to "wait for the gift" from God. This moment of waiting lasted ten days, and while they didn’t fully understand what they were waiting for, the answer comes at Pentecost.

In Acts 2:1-4, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise is recorded:

"On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." (Acts 2:1-4, NLT)

This moment marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit in a powerful, tangible way. Imagine the sound: it was like a tornado ripping through the room, perhaps akin to the roar of a freight train in modern terms. The sheer force of the Holy Spirit’s presence was unmistakable, and the impact on those in the room would not leave them the same.

One of the immediate effects of the coming of the Holy Spirit is transformation. Every Christian is now given access to the Holy Spirit, not just the apostles or select few. The Spirit’s presence is not conditional on being "good enough" or having an emotional experience—He is available to all who follow Christ.

The significance of this happening during the Jewish holiday of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover, is profound. Pentecost originally celebrated the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. But now, with the arrival of the Holy Spirit, something new is happening. As Romans 12:2 reminds us:

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2, NLT)

God, who once gave the law to Moses, is now writing His law on the hearts of believers, renewing their minds and guiding them through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This isn’t about rigid rule-following, but about an intimate relationship with the living God. The Spirit convicts, guides, and reveals truth, making it hard to continue in sin without feeling a deep, internal conflict.

When the Spirit is present, life changes. The internal struggles that weigh heavily on a person—be it anxiety, depression, or a sense of burden—are often linked to living in ways contrary to how God created us to be. In Galatians 5:25, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to let their lives be led by the Spirit:

"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:25, NLT)

While the Holy Spirit works individually in the hearts...

In this week's message, we explore the Great Commission and our role in God's rescue mission. Jesus calls us to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:18-20), but it starts right where we are. Empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we're sent out to share the Gospel—first in our local community, then to the world.

No one is too broken to be used by God. Just as He empowered the early church, He equips us today to fulfill His mission, inviting others to experience the rescue story of salvation.

Are you ready to join the mission?

#ActsLifeOnMission #Worship #Fellowship #SpiritualBattle #Celebrate #ChurchCommunity

2024 Kickoff Sunday: Acts - Life on Mission

The second week of the series "Acts: Life on Mission" focuses on a core question: What should the church look like today? This message, drawn from the early church’s example in the book of Acts, brings to light three powerful mandates for believers—worship, spiritual battle, and celebration. It also touches on how the Bible addresses aspects of church life, such as dress and behavior during worship, with a call to build a stronger, mission-focused church community.

The Bible has little to say directly about clothing for church gatherings, especially in the New Covenant. In the Old Covenant, there were some subtle indications, like covering one's head for worship, but the New Testament mentions it only briefly.

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, writes:

1 Timothy 2:8-10

"In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do."

Here, Paul doesn't refer to church buildings as “sanctuaries” but as places of worship, emphasizing that worship should be the primary focus. Men are instructed to lift holy hands, drawing attention to God, not to themselves. Likewise, women are told to dress modestly and appropriately, not to create barriers for outsiders or make it about self-image, but rather to make God the focal point.

The book of Acts provides a powerful model for how the early church functioned. Written by Luke, it describes a church devoted to key practices that every believer and church community should emulate. This passage offers a glimpse of what church gatherings should look like:

Acts 2:42-47

"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."

Luke emphasizes five critical aspects of the early church:

1. Devotion to Teaching
   The believers were serious about learning and applying the apostles' teachings. It wasn't a passive experience. They actively engaged with the teachings, discussed them in their communities (Life Groups), and applied them in their daily lives. This example challenges the modern church to not just listen but live out the Word of God.

2. Fellowship
   God created humanity for fellowship. Even in the Garden of Eden, God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, despite his companionship with nature and animals (Genesis 2:18). Fellowship builds up believers, providing the encouragement needed to continue through lif...

As we embark on our journey through the book of Acts, it's essential to remember that the early Christians were known as "Followers of the Way." This term isn’t just a label; it encapsulates the essence of what it means to live a life centered on Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself made an exclusive claim that He is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). This claim, while challenging to the world’s desire for relativism, remains the cornerstone of our faith.

The Apostle Paul, facing persecution for his faith, boldly declared, "I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors" (Acts 24:14). Paul’s words echo through the ages, reminding us that following Jesus often means standing against the tide of popular opinion. In a world that often seeks to find its own path, the call to follow Jesus as "the Way" requires us to step onto a path that Jesus Himself laid out.

Imagine "The Way" as a path with three significant stepping stones that every follower of Jesus must walk on. These stepping stones represent the journey Jesus invites us to take, a journey that reshapes our lives and reorients our priorities.

Stepping Stone 1: "I’m a Sinner"

The first stepping stone is the recognition of our own sinfulness. As G.K. Chesterton once wrote, "We’re all in the same boat, but we are all seasick." We are all sinners, unable to save ourselves because we are all in need of rescue. But what does it mean to acknowledge our sin?

The world often associates sainthood with moral perfection, but Chesterton also pointed out that "a saint only means a man who knows he is a sinner." This awareness of our sinfulness is crucial because it drives us to seek God. The law given to the Israelites served to reveal their sins, and in the new covenant, God gives us a conscience that convicts us of our sins.

Thomas Aquinas captured this truth when he said, "The heart is restless until it rests in God." In our restlessness, we often turn to substitutes for a relationship with God—wealth, pleasure, power, and honor. These pursuits are ultimately sinful because they center our lives on ourselves rather than on God.

St. John of the Cross described our desires as "an infinite cavern that can only be filled by God." When we try to fill this cavern with anything other than God, we fall into sin. Jesus, in His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, said, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). This teaches us that no earthly pursuit can satisfy the deep longing in our souls—only God can.

So, the first step on "The Way" is to recognize our sin, name the vices that lead us astray, and understand that only God can truly satisfy our deepest desires.

Stepping Stone 2: "Jesus Is the Center"

The second stepping stone is making Jesus the center of our lives. During a visit to Christ Church in Oxford, known for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance, I noticed a recurring theme in the design of many ancient churches. In these churches, the rose window—a circular stained glass window—depicts Jesus at the center, surrounded by His followers.

This design isn’t merely decorative; it’s deeply symbolic. When Jesus is at the center, everything else falls into place. When we make mistakes, it’s often because we’ve allowed something other than Jesus to occupy the center of our lives.

In the book of Acts, the focus often lands on the apostles who preached and performed miracles, but what about the regular church members? Their contributions, though less documented, were pivotal in growing the church. Most people in the church today will not receive a vocational calling to ministry or become pastors, yet their role in evangelism remains crucial.

The church often seeks out rare talents for leadership roles, but there's more to ministry than just having a select few on staff. The work of growing the church isn't solely the responsibility of pastors. Everyone in the church has a part to play. This brings us to a critical concept: Come and Become Evangelism.

Evangelism is about inviting others to follow Jesus. "Come and Become Evangelism" involves Christians inviting others to church, forming the primary strategy for growth. This approach has three main benefits:

1. Time to Consider the Cost and Consequences

Inviting someone to church allows them to connect with a community where they can wrestle with questions and grow gradually. Instant decisions are rarely lasting; true discipleship involves a series of encounters with Jesus. Lasting conversions typically take multiple encounters, emphasizing that discipleship is about introducing people to Jesus and supporting them as they grow.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24 (NLT)

2. Instant and Natural Follow-Up

This strategy ensures that new attendees are immediately connected and can start growing within the community. Everyone plays a role in welcoming and integrating newcomers. The goal of evangelism isn't merely to elicit a prayer but to foster ongoing discipleship. Church involvement provides the support necessary for new believers to continue their journey of faith.

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

3. Accessibility for All Christians

Evangelism becomes a natural part of a Christian's life. How one lives reflects their faith, influencing their ability to evangelize. Everyone is on a mission to grow the church, embodying the invitation to others. Jesus made it clear that there is plenty of room in His Father’s house, encouraging believers to invite others to join the family of faith.

"There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" - John 14:2 (NLT)

Inviting others into the church means welcoming diverse and sometimes messy lives. The early church dealt with a range of issues, and so will today's church. But this messiness is a sign of life and growth.

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

Jesus' return is imminent, and this urgency compels believers to show others the way to God. If the sole purpose of faith was personal salvation, God would take believers to Heaven immediately upon conversion. Instead, He leaves them with a mission: to eva...

Richard starts by defining humility, emphasizing that while social media often showcases pride and arrogance, true humility is rarely celebrated. He cites Rick Warren’s quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” This perspective shifts the focus from false modesty, where individuals downplay their abilities, to a genuine self-assessment in relation to God and others.

C.S. Lewis adds to this understanding, suggesting that a truly humble person doesn’t think about humility or themselves at all but instead takes a genuine interest in others.

The Bible offers extensive insights into humility, which Richard categorizes into three main aspects:

1. Low Esteem: This form of humility places an individual at the bottom of the societal hierarchy. Romans 12:16 encourages believers to live in harmony and associate with the lowly, while Psalm 95:6 calls for worship and bowing down before God, emphasizing that in His presence, humans are on the ground, acknowledging His greatness.

2. Not Demanding Perks: Richard contrasts worldly desires for perks with Jesus’ example. Despite being entitled to the best of everything, Jesus chose a humble path. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus gave up divine privileges and lived humbly, even to the point of dying on a cross. Jesus’ life exemplifies not demanding special treatment but serving others, as highlighted in Matthew 8:20, where He states, “Foxes have dens… but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

3. Occupying God-Given Space: True humility involves recognizing and occupying the space God has created for each individual. Romans 12:3 advises believers to measure themselves honestly by the faith God has given. Psalm 149:4 reveals that the Lord delights in His people and crowns the humble with victory, affirming that God honors those who humbly occupy their designated roles.

Richard illustrates Jesus’ humility through the act of washing the disciples’ feet, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants. This powerful gesture, described in John 13:1-17, shows Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself for others, setting a profound example for His followers.

Drawing from the book "Good to Great," Richard introduces the concept of the "window and the mirror." Great leaders attribute success to their team (the window) and take personal responsibility for failures (the mirror). Jesus embodied this leadership style, sending out His disciples to perform miracles and promising they would do even greater things (John 14:12). Ultimately, He took humanity’s failures upon Himself on the cross, offering redemption.

Humility is vital because it aligns believers with God’s will, allowing Him to work through them. David’s story from 1 Samuel 24 exemplifies this, where despite being anointed as the next king, David refrains from killing Saul, respecting God’s timing and authority.

The success of a community is deeply rooted in the strength and presence of its fathers. Communities with strong, involved fathers thrive, while those with weak or absent fathers often struggle with rebellious children and immature adults. Fathers play an essential role in shaping the future of their families and, by extension, their communities.

Fathers Lead

Christian fathers are called to lead their families toward a relationship with God and away from sinful desires. The impact of a father on his family is profound, and this influence can be for better or worse. The concept of "monitored freedom" is vital in this leadership role. Granting children freedom before they are wise enough to handle it is irresponsible. Instead, fathers should gradually allow their children more freedom as they demonstrate responsibility, stepping in to restrict that freedom when necessary.

One father's personal experience illustrates this principle well. As a child, he was excited when his parents told him he no longer had a bedtime, only to quickly lose that privilege after staying up too late playing video games. This early lesson in responsibility paved the way for more significant freedoms later on. By the time he turned 16, his parents told him he was no longer accountable to them but to God, whose discipline is more severe (Hebrews 12:6). This transition was crucial, providing a framework for managing freedom responsibly by the time he reached college.

The Gift of Freedom

Freedom is a precious yet dangerous gift from God. It requires careful management and accountability. God's discipline, while severe, is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6). This divine model of parenting is a guide for earthly fathers, who should also discipline their children out of love. This discipline helps children learn to manage their freedom and grow into mature, responsible adults.

Many young people today struggle with this concept, often rebelling without understanding the true value and responsibility of freedom. Loving fathers monitor their children's freedom, guiding them to maturity. This mirrors the way God disciplines and guides His children.

Taking Responsibility

Fathers must take responsibility for their children's actions. This responsibility reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, who took on the sins of humanity. Fathers should lead their homes with the same selfless dedication. When children face consequences for their actions, fathers should be involved, whether by making their children accountable or, at times, stepping in to help bear the burden themselves.

The empathy that fathers feel when their children are hurting is a God-given trait designed to motivate them to help. However, fathers often need a reminder to stay engaged and not turn their backs on their children, as it is easier for them to distance themselves than it is for mothers.

The Importance of Fathers

The statistics are clear: fatherless homes significantly impact society. One in four children is raised without a father, compared to one in forty without a mother. Absent fathers weaken communities. God designed the family unit with both a mother and father to lead children into a mature relationship with Him. This partnership is crucial, and when fathers fail to fulfill their role, the entire community suffers.

The Transition in Marriage

A significant shift occurs when children marry. According to Matthew 19:5, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This transition marks the beginning of a new family unit, independent yet bui...