Kingdom Congregation
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Text: Ephesians 4:11-13
Thesis: This is God’s idea of church! A Kingdom Congregation. A Kingdom Congregation is equipping and maturing. How can OHC be a Kingdom Congregation?
1) Be an equipping congregation
V11-12 - EQUIPPING NOT ACCOMADATING
A) God’s gifts to the church - the five-fold ministry - Foundation for Kingdom life and growth has been established
B) God’s people at work- “Prepare” equip - mend nets - Take delight in helping someone find their ministry - “Healed them to serve!!” Love, nurture, mentor
Each one has been created to work for the Kingdom!
”For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10
People have a heart's desire - Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Garage sale - meeting people - seeing all the sweet precious families - wondering would the church accept them? Since they don’t know about church, don’t walk like church-etc?
2) Be a maturing congregation
Maturity verses immaturity - Longevity verses reality
The danger of the settled church? We have a goal! We have a mission! Our outreaches this year – Danger - more people?! “Seek and save!”
V13 - What does this mean? OHC will be a fruit bearing church! O how I see this here now!
The fruits of the Spirit
People say I’m enthusiastic - or full of energy - You know what it is? The Joy of the Lord gives me strength!
We are in this together! “Reach unity of faith” Climbing a mountain - Jesus saves, not programs or legalism!
” . . . attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Give me Jesus! Picture a huge healthy tree! That’s the congregation God has designed!