Church, Part 8 of What We Believe, Part 44

Rapp Report episode 327

Discussed from What We Believe?

"The purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13-16), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42). The local church is a God-centered, Bible-centered ministry that seeks eternal preparation by the exaltation of God, edification and equipping of believers, and evangelization of the world, starting with the local community."

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the purpose of the church, emphasizing that its mission is to glorify God through various means, including the edification of believers, the instruction of the Word, maintaining fellowship, observing ordinances, and advancing the gospel worldwide. Andrew Rapoport engages in a thoughtful discussion with guest Harold Smith, a church revitalization missionary, who shares insights from his extensive experience working with struggling congregations. They explore the vital role of local churches in not just nurturing existing believers but also in reaching out to the lost, stressing the importance of a God-centered and Bible-centered ministry. The conversation highlights the need for churches to prioritize doctrinal clarity and community, as well as the dangers of becoming too focused on entertaining or appeasing congregants. With a mix of humor and serious reflection, the episode provides valuable insights for anyone involved in church leadership or seeking a deeper understanding of their faith community's role in the modern world.

Andrew Rapoport welcomes Harold Smith to the podcast, where they delve into the vital role of the church in the modern world, emphasizing its purpose to glorify God. This episode marks the continuation of their series on what they believe, specifically addressing the church's mission in relation to personal faith and community. Smith, who serves as a church revitalization missionary, shares his experiences in revitalizing struggling congregations, particularly those with fewer than a hundred members. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked reality of small churches that face significant challenges in maintaining their vitality and effectiveness. Rapoport and Smith outline the church's purpose, which encompasses building up the faith of its members through biblical instruction, fellowship, the observance of ordinances, and the communication of the gospel to the world. They argue for a return to a God-centered and Bible-centered approach, steering clear of the pitfalls of entertainment-driven worship that can dilute the church's true mission. As they unpack the doctrinal statement of Striving for Eternity, a compelling case is made for the church as a nurturing environment that fosters spiritual growth and outreach, directly countering the cultural trend of individualism in faith.

Takeaways:

• The primary purpose of the church is to glorify God through various practices.
• A healthy local church builds itself up in faith through the instruction of the Word.
• Evangelism should focus on outside the church, reaching the community first.
• Fellowship is essential to the church, enabling believers to grow together in faith.
• The church must keep the ordinances to maintain its identity as a body of believers.
• A local church that prioritizes God will naturally equip and evangelize effectively.

Mentioned in this episode:

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