Reflections of Jesus

Text: Matthew 18:3-4 & 19:14

Thesis: To show how Jesus’ church reflect Jesus.

Introduction:

1. How important is it that Jesus is clearly seen in your church?

2. Jesus is head of the church; we are meant to honor him.

Discussion:

Jesus is reflected…

I. In the church's name.

A. Names are important.

1. Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:5)      from “father of two” to “father of populace”

2. Sarai to Sarah (Gen. 17:15)    from “captain” to “lady”

3. Jacob to Israel (Gen. 32:28)    from “supplanter” to “he will rule as God”

B. Church’s should reflect their head in their name (1 Peter 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3;

Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 16:18).

1. Salvation Army

2. Friends Community Church

3. Victory Fellowship

4. First ________ Church

5. Grace ________ Church

6. Bible Missionary Church

II. In the church's doctrine.

A. Salvation is because of Christ’s blood (Rev. 1:5).

B. The mode of salvation, however, is water baptism.

Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21

C. We do not believe in “baptismal regeneration”; there’s no inherent power in the water.

There is no doctrine more fundamental to the church than “how one enters it.”

III. In the church's worship.

A. Worship is to praise God and not man (Jn. 4:24).

B. The worship of the church is calm and collective, spiritual and reflective, and decently

and in order (1 Cor. 14:40).

C. There are five things that the apostles did in their worship.

Mark 14:26; Acts 2:42; see also 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 14:14; 16:1-2

D. What can you expect from our services?

1. You will not be embarrassed.

a. When you visit us, you will be a respected guest. We speak our convictions

with kindness and courtesy. You will not be insulted or embarrassed in our

midst. Our assembly is not an unrestrained display of emotion or

excitement; but a simple devout period of worship. We gather to sing,

study and pray together.

b. There will be no high-pressure methods used to influence you in any way,

and no embarrassing moments that will make you wish you hadn't come.

You will not be made to feel out of place at any of our services.

2. Our worship is simple.

a. All of our worship is simple. Our music is composed of acappela singing and

everyone is encouraged to participate. Our prayers are fervent appeals to

God. Our sermons are Christ-centered, Bible-filled, and designed to be

understandable, in order to teach and encourage those in attendance.

Anyone desiring to become a Christian is afforded an opportunity at each

assembly. However no one will go about the audience singling people out,

asking them to stand or urging anyone to go forward. Our services are not

designed to embarrass anyone, but rather to teach the Bible to all who

come to sing and pray together.

b. Contributions are made on Sunday by members of the congregation to

support the work of the church. Visitors may give but are under no

obligation to do so. The Lord's Supper is observed by Christians every

Sunday as instituted by Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28). It is a memorial supper

of the Lord's death (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). "Unleavened bread" and the

"fruit of the vine" symbolize the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians

10:16).

c. The church of Christ exists to please God and to serve one another in

pleasing God.

“Hat-rack” Apps

1. Ensure that your church reflects Jesus, who is the head.

2. Study to discover your convictions (Acts 17:11).

3. Show your love by obeying Jesus’ commands (Jn. 14:15).

Conclusion:

1. Jesus is the church’s head; his reflections should be evident.

2. We are to be involved in a church where reflections are seen.