Church: The Kingdom Spreads to the World | The Story of God E2
Sep 13, 2024
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John Mark, a thought leader redefining church, invites us to explore its deeper meaning as a 'called out' community. He challenges traditional views by emphasizing the church as a family that spreads God’s kingdom through everyday relationships. The discussion covers the role of the church in combating evil, the importance of community and discipleship, and encourages listeners to engage actively in their faith. John also highlights living generously, reflecting Jesus' teachings through authentic connections.
The church is defined not as a building but as a diverse community of believers united in their mission to spread God's kingdom.
Authentic engagement within the church requires a shift from consumerism to meaningful relationships, fostering collective growth and spiritual formation.
Deep dives
Understanding the Essence of Church
The concept of church is often misconstrued as merely a building or a two-hour event on Sundays. Many people tend to focus on the activities or aesthetics of a church service—like the music style or the coffee served—rather than the deeper relational aspects and mission of the church community. This perspective limits the understanding of what it means to be part of the church, which is intended to be a living, breathing body of believers. Instead of fixating on the Sunday routine, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their roles within the church community and consider whether they are consumers of church services or genuine contributors to the work of God.
The New Israel: A Called-Out Community
Jesus selected twelve apostles to form the foundation of His church, signifying the establishment of a new Israel that transcends ethnic boundaries. This choice of twelve was symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and demonstrated that the church is a continuation of God's redemptive plan through a different lens. The emphasis is placed on creating a diverse community of faith that includes individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, united in their belief that Jesus is the Messiah. The church, as the 'called out ones,' is therefore seen as an active force in spreading God's kingdom throughout the world.
Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit
The empowerment of the church is fundamentally linked to the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which occurred on the day of Pentecost, allowing the early followers of Jesus to carry out His mission. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit resulted in the growth of the church as thousands came to believe and join the community. This event not only highlighted the transformative power of the Spirit but also marked the beginning of the church’s journey to spread the Kingdom of God to all nations. The church's mission is sustained through communities that embody love, support, and collective responsibility, representing the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
Participation Over Consumption
A significant theme explored is that the church is not merely an event to attend but a vibrant community to engage with deeply. The shift from a consumer mindset to one of participation is crucial for experiencing authentic Christian community. This involves forming meaningful relationships with others and being actively invested in the lives of fellow believers. By fostering such relationships, individuals can experience the beauty of communal life, where growth in faith occurs through shared experiences, challenges, and collective journeys of spiritual formation.
What comes to mind when you hear the word church? John Mark challenges us to rethink our definition, exploring the deeper meaning of church as the "called out ones," a new humanity formed by Jesus to carry the kingdom of God to every corner of the world. He calls us to see church as a family that embodies the kingdom of God through everyday relationships, practices, and a shared mission to spread God's kingdom.
Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 10v1-7, Matthew 16v13-18, Acts 1v6-9, Acts 2v1-4,41-47
This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Isabella from Bridgeville, Pennsylvania; Austin from Marshall, Minnesota; Sierra from Palermo, Maine; Andrew from Colbert, Washington; and LifeHouse Church in Mississauga, Ontario. Thank you all so much!
If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
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