Rooted, Built, Established, and Abounding - The Church (Lesson 3)

The Church

Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ… stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

The church began in the mind of God. Jesus, our perfect example, gathered disciples before He performed His earthly ministry. He sent them out together to preach the kingdom. When He ascended, they gathered together in the upper room. As they sought to evangelize the world, they worked in tandem with one another. As converts were made, they assembled together for worship, teaching, and ministry. We were not intended to live for God alone. We must strive together.

1. Descriptions of the Church

A. The Bride of Christ – Ephesians 5:25

B. The Flock – Acts 20:28

C. The Body – Romans 12:5

D. The Pillar and Ground of Truth – 1 Timothy 3:15

E. The Habitation of God’s Spirit – Ephesians 2:21-22

2. God’s Plan

A. Apostolic Pattern – Acts 2:46-47

B. God Places in the Body – 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18-19

3. Benefits of the Church

A. Strength – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Matthew 16:18

B. Corporate Prayer – Matthew 18:19-20, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 4:31

C. Corporate Worship – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16

D. Ordinances – John 13:14, Hebrews 6:1-2, 1 Corinthians 11:19-20

E. Growth – Ephesians 4:11-16

F. The Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:4-12

G. Judgment and Discipline – Matthew 18:17-18, 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 6:1-2

H. The Great Commission – Mark 16:15, Romans 10:15

4. My Obligation to the Church

A. Pray – Ephesians 6:18

B. Give – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

C. Use Gifts – Romans 12:3-8

D. Be Merciful, Loving, and Considerate – Philippians 2:1-3, Colossians 3:12-15, 1 Peter 3:8

E. Bear Burdens – Romans 15:1, Galatians 6:1-2

F. Pursue Peace and Unity – Romans 12:16, Romans 14:19, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 1:10

G. Submit – Hebrews 13:17

 

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Rooted, Built, Established, and Abounding - Prayer (Lesson 2)

Prayer

Prayer is our connection to God. Every great prophet, apostle, minister, and person of faith in the Bible was also a person of prayer. Jesus, our perfect example, made a regular practice of prayer. The gospels repeatedly record him praying before notable moments of ministry. His prayer life was so dynamic that His disciples asked him to teach them to pray. (Luke 11:1)

1. How to Pray

A. Jesus’ teachings about prayer – Matthew 6:5-13, Luke 11:5-13, Luke 18:1-14

B. Keys to effective prayer

a. Belief – Matthew 21:22

b. Obedience – 1 John 3:21-22

c. Asking according to His will- 1 John 5:14-15

d. Praying in the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:11, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Jude 20

C. Hindrances to prayer

a. Failure to ask – James 4:2

b. Asking selfishly – James 4:3

c. Interpersonal relationships – 1 Peter 3:7

d. Sin – Psalm 66:18-19, Isaiah 1:15-20

 2. When to Pray

A. Continually – Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2

3. Who to Pray For

A. Yourself

a. For salvation – Romans 10:10-13

b. For forgiveness – 1 John 1:9

c. For strength – Matthew 26:41

d. For boldness – Acts 4:29-31

e. For peace – Philippians 4:6-7

B. One another - Ephesians 1:15-19, 3:14-19, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-12

C. Ministry – Luke 10:2, Romans 15:30

D. Leaders – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

4. Why Pray

A. It is powerful and effective. - 2 Chronicles 7:14, Mark 9:29, James 5:13-16

 

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Rooted, Built, Established, and Abounding - The Bible (Lesson 1)

The Bible

There has never been another book like the Bible. It is the best-selling and most impactful book in human history. Furthermore, the Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book. What makes the Bible so special?

1. The Bible’s Claim

2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Peter 3:2, 15-16

2. Reasons to Believe

A. Historically Accurate

a. Old Testament characters - Over 60 have been either historically or archaeologically identified.

b. Ebla Tablets – This relatively recent discovery lists many Old Testament cities, civilizations, and names.

c. Sodom and Gomorrah – The geological record shows evidence of an ancient earthquake. In addition, the layers of sedimentary rock were melded together by intense heat.

d. New Testament events and characters – The existence of Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, Nazareth, and many others have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

B. First hand witnesses

a. Prophets and apostles – They were martyred without any material gain for their witness. Why? 2 Peter 1:16

b. The audience – It is one thing to say, “I saw.” It is another thing to say, “You saw.” - Acts 2:22                                                                                                               

c. Jewish historian - “At this time there was a man who was called Jesus. His conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified, and he died. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Accordingly, he was thought to be the Messiah.” – Josephus

d. Roman historians - In total, nine early non-Christian secular writers mention Jesus as a real person within 150 years of his death. Interestingly, that is the same number of secular writers who mention Tiberius Caesar, the Roman emperor during Jesus’ time.

C. Extraordinary Insight

a. Moses’ prophecy concerning Israel - Deuteronomy 30:1-5

b. Daniel’s prophecy of world empires - Daniel 5:28, Daniel 8:20-22

c. Prophecies of the crucifixion -  Died a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) involving: rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48), betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18), sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15), silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14), being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew 27:31), beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26), spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30), piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16;  Matthew 27:31), being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38), praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34), piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34), given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36), no broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-36), buried in a rich man's tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60), casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23-24).

d. Jesus’ prophecy of the fall of Jerusalem - Luke 21:5-6, Luke 21:20-24

e. Prophecies of the restoration of Israel - Jeremiah 23:3

D. Moral Superiority

The Bible describes the sinful nature of man, exposes the flaws of prominent characters, demands love and concern for others, and emphasizes the essentiality of God’s mercy.  (2 Peter 1:19)

E. Confirmed by Jesus

a. The Old Testament - Luke 11:50-51, Luke 24:44-45

b. The New Testament - John 17:17, 20

F. Preserved

a. Dead Sea Scrolls – They are 1,000 years older than the previous earliest manuscripts, yet they confirmed the faithfulness of the transmission of Scripture. - Psalm 12:6-7

b. New Testament manuscripts – There are about 6,000 early New Testament Greek manuscripts, 18,500 early translations, and 36,000 early quotations. The earliest fragment discovered has been dated within 50 years of the original autograph.

3. The Bible and You

Hebrews 4:12, James 1:23-25, Psalms 119:105-106

New Book

Pastor Davis has written a new book, A Misplaced Mystery. The book was written to explain the Oneness of God in a thorough yet simple way. This book is a great resources for pastors, established saints, or new converts.  A free preview is available. You can purchase a copy here. All proceeds will go to the church.

Salvation

These 5 written articles or 70 minutes of audio (total) give a basic overview of New Testament salvation. For more detailed analysis and answers to common questions and objection visit apostolicallyspeaking.com.


Audio:

1. Understanding Faith

2. Foundational Faith

3. Believing the Scriptures

4. Understanding Water Baptism

5. Understanding Spirit Baptism

 

Text:

1. Understanding Faith

2. Foundational Faith

3. Believing the Scriptures

4. Understanding Water Baptism

5. Understanding Spirit Baptism

The Godhead