The Mission of the Church Resurgence: The Road to Revival through Renewal Acts 1:8 Part 10 Throughout this series we have developed a greater understanding of what the church is as well as how it is to live out its God-given purpose for existence. While these truths are fundamental to any church, it is also imperative for a local church to understand the individual calling God has given it. In this message we want to explore the vision and mission of VBC to our neighbors in the Fox Valley and throughout the world. A Biblical Vision: Requires great courage. We need courage to carry on in spite of: The possibility of failure. The friction that comes with conflicting thoughts. The fight that comes with an advancing vision. Inspires great cooperation. Lives out the Great Commandment. Pursues the Great Commission. Points of action Become an intercessor. Investigate by asking questions. Get involved by using your gifts.

What is Worship? Various Scriptures Part 9 1. The definition: What does worship mean? Webster: The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object as well as the ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed. A.W. Pink: “A redeemed heart occupied with God, expressing itself in adoration and thanksgiving.” William Temple – (Archbishop of Canterbury 1881-1944) “For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God; to feed the mind with the truth of God; to purge the imagination by the beauty of God; to open the heart to the love of God; to devote the will to the purpose of God.” 2. The detours: What keeps us from worship? Preoccupation Presumption Pride Preferences Punctuality Personal conflict 3. The dedication: What is required of me? If we want our worship to glorify God we must exhibit: Sincerity Fidelity Humility Purity Unity 4. The duration: When is worship to be done? Psalm 34 reminds us that worship is done: Willingly Continually Personally Corporately 5. The destination: What is our worship to accomplish? When we worship in spirit and truth: God is glorified We are purified The church is edified The lost are evangelized

“What about Giving?” 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Part 8 1. God’s perspective on giving. The scripture reminds us that: God is the supplier of all that we have. We are stewards of all that He gives. 2. The guiding principles about giving. Through the Macedonian’s example we learn that: Giving is about our mission not our money. Giving is about our commitment not our circumstances. Giving is about our eternity not our expenses. Giving is about our dedication not just our desire. Giving is about our faith not our finances. 3. The godly practices in regards to our giving. Paul tells the Corinthians that giving should be: Planned Personal In proportion to our income.

What is Church Discipline? Various Scriptures Part 7 Though church discipline is a very difficult area of doctrine and one hard to practice, it nevertheless rests upon the divine authority of Scripture and is vital to the purity, power, progress, and purpose of the church. The responsibility and necessity for discipline is not an option for the church if it obeys the Word of God, but a church must be equally concerned that Scripture is carefully followed in the practice of church discipline. To maintain the balance of grace and truth when it comes to church discipline we must explore this important biblical purpose for the church. 1. The Problem 2. The Principle 3. The Purpose When a church fails to discipline it loses some of its: Purity Power Progress Place in the world 4. The People This involves those: Caught in sin In conflict with others Who live in contradiction with scripture 5. The Process. This involves discipline that is: Formative Corrective Punitive 6. The Path This involves the following steps: Private interaction Pairs to verify A public rebuke Putting them out 7. The Plan Pursue holiness Be people of grace Live at peace with all

“Who Leads the Church?” 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Part 6 The New Testament Scriptures give examples of local churches being led by a plurality of godly men called elders. These elders functioned as members of teams, rather than as individuals, in directing the affairs of local congregations. Elders in New Testament times served as the spiritual leaders of their congregation and were given the ultimate authority and responsibility to ensure that their church remained on a Biblical course and that its mission was carried out. God calls men to lead a church. These individuals are men who must have…. 1. A consuming call from God. Any man to be considered an elder must: Desire to serve God as an elder. Be devoted to the job description for elders. Be a part of a diverse group of elders. 2. A consistent character in all areas of life. The Bible commands all elders to be above reproach: Morally Domestically Socially Spiritually 3. Strong biblical convictions and the capability to teach others. This involves being: Established in his doctrine. Able to educate others. 4. A compassionate connection with those under his care. For this to be evident both the elders and church are called to certain tasks: For the elders: For the Church:

What is the Lord’s Supper? 1 Corinthians 11:17-33 Part 5 The Lord's Supper: Unlike baptism, which is a one-time event, the Lord’s Supper, known also as the Lord’s Table or communion, is a practice meant to be observed over and over again throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship when we come together as a body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us. Ever since Jesus instituted this practice at the Last Supper, it has served as a beautiful reminder of the sacrifice of His body and the shedding of His blood on our behalf. It is a sign of our continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ's death. As we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ and signify our unity with other members of Christ's body. In addition, when we approach the Lord’s Table in faith, accompanied by self-examination, we receive spiritual nourishment for our souls. If we desire to properly commune with our Savior at His table we must understand: 1. The Principle: The real meaning of the Lord’s Supper. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper as an: Ordinance Outward expression of an inward reality. 2. The Purpose: To remember Christ. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 of our Savior. Sin. Salvation 3. The Participants: The requirements for the Lord’s Supper. Who are to participate? The NT calls us to the following actions prior to celebrating the Lord’s Supper: Accepting the message of Salvation. Affirming our faith through Water Baptism. Abiding in Christ. Agreeing with other believers. When are we to celebrate? Who is supposed to lead it? 4. The Profit: Our response to Christ. The Lord’s Supper should: Encourage us. Encompass us.

Part 4 “What is Baptism?” Various Scriptures 1. Baptism is a mandate we have received. It was... Uncompromisingly commanded by the Lord Jesus Uniquely practiced by our Lord Jesus Universally administered to Christians entering the early church Unapologtically connected to our conversion 2. Baptism is done because of the meaning it represents. It represents our... Obedience to the Scriptures Oneness with Christ Offering to God 3. The proper mode of baptism. This involves a proper: Symbolism - Baptism symbolizes our... Death to sin Burial with Christ Resurrection to new life Significance - It is to be done in the name of the: Father Son Holy Spirit 4. Our mission regarding baptism. The church must: Communicate about baptism in a biblically faithful manner Celebrate baptism more frequently Concentrate more on the spiritual nature of baptism Challenge each other to live out our baptism

Part 3 What is Church Membership? Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12 While all believers are part of the universal church, the New Testament also stresses the importance of all believers being a part of a local church. A local church is comprised of a definable group of people who, on the basis of their commitment to the Lord, have identified themselves with and committed themselves to one another. While membership in a local church does not guarantee one’s salvation, it is imperative for all believers to be connected to a body of believers for the sake of encouragement, edification and equipping. While church membership gives believers certain rights within a local congregation, its purpose is far more biblical. In the God-ordained environment of a local church, members function as one body, building up each other in love according to the rule of Scripture. Throughout scripture, it is clear that God intended for His people to enter into covenants with Him and with one another. Membership at Village Bible Church is a covenant relationship among fellow believers, as well as with their leaders under Christ. In order to implement the principles of accountability and commitment to the local body of Christ as defined in the New Testament and practiced in the early church, Village Bible Church recognizes the need for formal membership (Acts 11:26; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 1:1). 1. The biblical reasons for church membership. Church membership is seen in the Example of early church Existence of Church government Exercise of church discipline Exhortation for mutual care 2. The requirements for church membership This involves: Accepting the message of salvation Affirming your faith through baptism Active participation with others in the church 3. Our response as members of Village Bible Church. This calls all members to: Always be available for service Aim for the approval of God Being active in accountability Assess your abilities Accept your assignment Adopt the right attitude 4. The roadmap for membership at Village Bible Church.

Part 2 “What are the Marks of a Healthy Church?” Acts 2:42-47 If Village desires to be a healthy church we must have these key characteristics. A healthy church: 1. Is built on the right foundation. This foundation involves: The prophets The person and work of Christ The preaching of the Gospel A proper response to God 2. Calls for sacrificial participation. This participation involves opening our: Hearts Hands Homes 3. Is active in its adoration of God. This is seen as we: Commune together at the Lord’s Table Call on God in our prayers Come together for worship Celebrate our Faith 4. Is growing through spiritual multiplication. This type of multiplication involves: Divine assistance Daily conversions Deliverance from sin

Part 1 “What is a Christian Church?” Various Scriptures For one to have a clear understanding of the church, one must explore the church: 1. Grammatically ekklesia: an assembly of people gathered together The ekklesia can be broken up into 2 groups: The invisible ekklesia: The church that only God sees. Membership saved Both living and dead Only one universal church No single denomination The entire body of Christ Christ is the only head The visible ekklesia : The church that we see. Membership saved and lost Only those living at this time Many local churches Differing denominations Part of the body of Christ Different types of government Biblical names for this ekklesia: The Bride of Christ The Flock of God The Body of Christ The Family of God The Branches The House of God Definition: The church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to scripture they organize locally under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and worship, observe the biblical ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scatter to fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission to the world for God’s glory and their joy. 2. Historically Church history can be broken up into the following: Post-Apostolic Times -33 A.D. to 6th Century Roman Catholic- 6th Century to Present Orthodox 1054 to Present Protestant-1517 to Present 3. Organizationally If we desire our church to function properly we must: Follow the same Lord Pursue the same way of life Submit to qualified leaders Partner together as laborers To live out the following we must be involved in the following activities: Worship Instruction Fellowship Evangelism ‘Service 4. Biblically Scripture reminds us that the life of the church involved a: Special person Secret plan Specific purpose