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  • We are the Church! – Lucas Cooper on 7-21-2013

    Posted on July 22, 2013 by in Blog, Sermon Notes

    This past Sunday (July 21, 2013) at Scottsdale Bible Church, Lucas Cooper busted some myths about the church.  Here’s our Sermon Notes:

    Lucas took an in-depth look at Acts 2:42-47:

    “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

    Through “myth-busting,” Lucas let us know that Church isn’t somewhere you go, it’s someone you ARE.

    Myth #1: The Church is a Place

    Truth #1: The Church is the people…WE are the church!

    Our takeaway: If you’re “bored with church” maybe you need to take a closer look at yourself, not the preacher, the programs, or the worship.

    Myth #2:  Church is an organization

    Truth #2: Church is an organism

    Our takeaway: The church is a living, breathing, ever-changing body of people.  As an organism, we can be organized…but we are not an “organization.”  We love how Lucas broke down this concept by giving the definition of the words organization and organism.

    Myth #3: Church is a buffet

    Truth #3: Church is a potluck!

    We all have something to contribute to the body of Christ.  When you become a Christian and embrace Salvation, the Holy Spirit imparts a supernatural Spiritual Gift to you that is uniquely yours.  As time passes, you come to learn what that gift is, how to develop it, and how to apply it.  So when you bring that gift to the Church, you contribute…much like a potluck.  And when everyone brings their gifts, then ALL are fed!

    Our takeaway: Don’t let your gift sit dormant.  There are Christians all around you who need what you have to offer in order to live fully and be fully fed.   Side note: Mark really likes Luby’s.  And yes…that’s totally relevant here!  Gotta listen to the full sermon to know why :)

    Myth #4: Church is voluntary

    Truth #4: Church is vital

    Lucas called out the popular thinking that we don’t need church in order to be a Christian.  And while that’s true, we DO need fellowship with one another in order to thrive in our walk with Christ.

    Our takeaway: Developing relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ needs to be a top priority for us.  And that means plugging into large studies, being a part of small groups, and making a point of getting together one-on-one with other Christians.

    Side note: While the development of Christian relationships is vital, be aware of surrounding yourselves ONLY with other Christians.  It’s easy to fill our time with others who agree with your core values.  But if we neglect relationships with those outside of the faith, we risk becoming judgmental, cut off from issues, and unable to understand other’s points of view.  Of course, what’s the MAIN reason to keep relationships going with those of a different faith? Because we are called to share the gospel! To spread the good news about Jesus and Him crucified to the ends of the Earth!  Remember that sometimes the only Jesus that someone might see is YOU!

    So there are our Sermon Notes for Lucas Cooper’s “You Are The Church” sermon at Scottsdale Bible Church on July 21, 2013.  As always, we want to hear YOUR takeaways…so watch the sermon and leave us a comment below.