The Gospel-Centered Church Colossians 3:15-17

Summary of the message:
Jesus is still captivated by his Bride, the church. Are you? Jesus' relationship with the church will never change. Jesus will always love his Bride.
2 points
As a Gospel-Centered church we must let Jesus make the decisions (Col. 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts...)
As a Gospel-Centered church we must let Jesus lead the worship (Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...)
Bottom line is that sanctification is a group project. We only have fellowship with one another because of Jesus. We are not meant to live out are Christian life alone, we have each other because we were called into one body!

Application questions: What is the local church? Is it simply to come on Sunday mornings and that's it? Remember everytime we point the finger at the church we are pointing the finger at us because we are the CHURCH!

I referred to a great book, that if I had the money I would buy each of you a copy. Maybe some day. Stop Dating the Church: Fall in the Love with the Family of God. The book listed some good questions to think through concerning choosing a church:
1. Is this a church where God's word is faithfully taught?
2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
3. Is this a church in which the Gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the Gospel?
5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God's Word?

If you want to know the other four I would encourage you to buy it. We really need to be thinking about what it means to be the church.

SDG,

Pastor Mark