Week 37: The Church in Jerusalem
Week 37: The Church in Jerusalem
Although I believe that my readers come from different churches or denominations, at least two things surely unite us. Firstly, we are all committed to the church. At least, I hope we are. I hope that none of my readers is that grotesque anomaly—an unchurched Christian—for the New Testament knows nothing of such a monster! No, we are not only committed to Christ, we are committed to the body of Christ. Indeed, we cannot be one without the other. For the church lies at the center of the purpose of God. God’s purpose, conceived in a past eternity, being worked out in history, to be perfected in a future eternity, is not just to save isolated individuals and so perpetuate our loneliness, but rather to call out a people for himself and to build his church. Indeed, Christ died for us not only to redeem us from sin but to purify for himself a people who are enthusiastic for good works (Titus 2:14). So, then, the reason we are committed to the church is that God is.
Secondly, we are all concerned for the renewal of the church. In many parts of the world the church is spreading rapidly, but it is often growth without depth. There is much superficiality everywhere. We need to recover the biblical vision of a renewed church.
Sunday: God’s Vision for His Church
Monday: Study
Tuesday: Fellowship
Wednesday: Sharing
Thursday: Worship
Friday: Evangelism
Saturday: The Marks of a Living Church