Church (1) – Not In Vain

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us. I don’t know if you have realized this, but we have been in our new building a little over one year. For most of us, that feeling of excitement and newness are probably gone by now. I am no exception. But every once in a while, God will remind me of His blessing and faithfulness through another person’s view. Just this past week, an elderly lady came up to me and said, “I can’t believe how beautiful and wonderful this new building is. I have been with my home church for a while and we have about the same amount of people, and we have never done anything like this. This is amazing.” You know sometimes, we just have to slow ourselves down and simply kneel and say, “thank you God, you are simply amazing.”

I have said this before; church is not just a building. The word church in the New Testament should not have been translated as “church”, but rather “gathering.” Jesus never meant to build buildings, although buildings are sometimes necessary for our 21st century gatherings. Jesus meant to build gatherings, gatherings of people that are fully committed in following the ways of Christ. So with this new series we are going to talk about church, our church, and what are some of the ways that we are called to live out our faith in this world. I hope you will feel excited, as you have been invited to participate in this grand story of the Church.

Changing Your Mind

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Discussion Questions

1. In this message, Andy mentioned that Paul’s original plan was not to build the Church, yet his plan was interrupted by God. Have you ever experienced your plans being interrupted by God? What was the result of it?

2. The cross at the Roman Colosseum symbolizes that even in the midst of difficult circumstances God will continue to build His Church. Have you ever experienced God’s presence in the midst of difficult circumstances? What was your experience like?

3. Read Matthew 16:18. Jesus proclaimed that He will build His Church. How has this verse impacted you the way you see church today?

4. Jesus is committed in building His Church. How would you commit yourself today in the building of this church, i.e. in prayer, in service, in finance? What can this group do to support you?