We Gather
We are PBC • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 41:52
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· 26 viewsThis sermon begins a series of four that discuss who we are as a church. We gather looks at what a church really is (an assembly) and why we meet (to "one another").
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What is a church?
What is a church?
When you hear that word “church” what comes to your mind? Is it a building? Is it a group of people? Generally it seems like so many people think of both the building and the people - and with good reason.
Let’s look back at the scripture to help us understand what a church truly is.
The first instance in the New Testament where we see the word “church” used is in Matthew 16:18-19.
In Matthew 16, Jesus and his disciples had reached the region of Caesarea Philippi – a city at the Northern edge of Palestine, at the mouth of the Jordan River.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Before we dive into the meat of this passage – think about this – we are in that prophecy – you and I, as Christ followers, members of His church, are in that – I hope you find encouragement there.
Beyond that, however, probably the most significant event that comes out of this passage is Peter’s confession. It is here that he acknowledges exactly Who Jesus is – the son of God. In response, Jesus’ celebrates Peter’s confession and then proclaims – “on this rock I will build my church.”
What is the “rock” he is referring to?
Some have said that since Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter (which means stone) that it is on Peter that the church would be established. This, I think, is where the Catholic church as established it’s doctrine of the Papacy as an office established on Peter.
It seems more appropriate to consider that the foundation of the “church” was not a person, but a belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. For the last two millennia, believers all over the world have gathered around this core belief and confession. We may disagree on doctrine and practice, but there is unity under Christ.
In addition to having our core doctrine, the group gets a name. Let’s dive into that name for just a moment.
In nearly all of our English translations, we read the word “church.” (upon this rock I will build my church) Here is a different translation – Young’s Literal Translation.
‘And I also say to thee, that thou art a rock, and upon this rock I will build my assembly, and gates of Hades shall not prevail against it;
The Greek word that we often translate as “church” is the word “ecclesia” – which means a specific gathering or assembly.
In the NT, this was a common term – sometimes people would create an “ecclesia” (an assembly) for political, social, or military reasons. They would gather.
What is interesting though, when you hear the word “church” what is the first thing that comes to mind? – a building. Let me take you back a bit.
In the first century the Christians would gather in people’s homes and they would gather in the synagogue. The church continued to expand. As we will see in the book of Acts, thousands of people were joining the church. There was a great deal of persecution that the church faced because they would not acknowledge the emperor as divine or holy. They had no god except God.
By AD 300, Christians had become so ubiquitous, even in the face of the persecution that politicians began to take notice. As Constantine was rising in power, he could see the force that Christians were and so he legalized Christianity.
Prior to it’s legalization, Christians met in houses having “love feasts.” They would share a communion and a meal together, sing a bit, read scripture (if they had a copy or portion), discuss theology and go. It was in many ways like a modern day potluck banquet.
Constantine declared himself a Christian
Powerful people brought their pagan worship practices into the assemblies
Ornate buildings were built on the graves of martyrs (basilica)
Within a decade, the “church” moved from “Assembly to Assembly hall.” It has stopped being a movement and became a location.
Our word “church” in English is derived from the German word “kirika” and later “kirche” which means “house of the Lord.”
There is so much more that we could look at, the reformation and the translation of scripture. If you have an opportunity, pick up the book “Deep and Wide” by Andy Stanley. He goes into this in a very understandable and concise way.
Here is the point, what Jesus prophesied as an assembly and what got started as a multiplying event from house to house became a formal, location based worship – and yet the true ecclesia of Jesus is not limited by buildings or location. The true ecclesia or assembly of Jesus is a a gathering of believers.
In reality, we could take several weeks just unpacking this doctrine of the church, but for now, I simply want us to understand what it is - an assembly or gathering of believers, and what it is not - a building.
Which brings us to our second point for today...
Why do we gather?
Why do we gather?
Because the church is a people, or an assembly of people, why do we gather as a church? Why not simply profess faith and be called Christians and let it be?
I think there are a few reasons why. First of all...
We gather because it’s important to God
We gather because it’s important to God
In talking about the church, the late John Stott, a long time pastor in England has said:
“The church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought. It is not an accident of history.”
(Dever, Mark, The Church Made Visible (B&H Publishing, Nashville, 2012), X.
Another local pastor has said:
“Christian proclamation might make the gospel audible, but Christians living together in local congregations make the gospel visible (John 13:34-35). The church is the gospel made visible.”
(Ibid)
There is something crucially important about the nature and work of God’s church - this assembly of believers.
Mark Dever uncovers several reasons that the church is important to God:
God’s Son established the church (Mt. 16:18) - we’ve already looked at this briefly - the church was established on the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. There were no substitutes or surrogates that God used to establish the church.
Jesus purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28) - In his farewell remarks to the elders at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul reminds them “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (ESV) - The Church of Jesus is not a cheap religious ritual. The church is of priceless value because Jesus purchased it with his own blood.
Jesus “intimately identifies himself with” the church (Acts 9:4) - Saul had been persecuting the church (at that time known as followers of The Way), Jesus sends a blinding light on the road to Damascus and confronts Saul by saying “Why are you persecuting me?” - Jesus had already ascended and yet Jesus seemed to view persecution against the church as persecution against himself.
“The church is the body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12, 27; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:12, 5:20-30; Col. 1:18, 24; 3:15) - As you can see by this grand list of references, the church (or realistically, each local congregation) is the very representation of the body of Christ. We all, gifted individually, work together collectively to represent Christ in this place through utilizing our God-given gifts and abilities. (possibly expound on this)
The dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:18-22; 4:4) -
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
“The chief instrument for glorifying God in the world” (Ezek. 36:22-38; Eph. 3:10) -
(this should be #6)
We do what we do when we gather because this is so important to God.
We worship God because He is worthy - He is the one who has assembled us, bringing together a collection of individuals who have been broken and cracked up by sin’s devastating consequences - building us together into a beautiful mosaic.
We read and study the Bible because it is God’s authoritative, written Word - we don’t assemble to hear the latest fads or philosophical ponderings - rather we assemble to be reminded of the timeless truths that are found in God’s Word - seeking to understand Him more fully and apply His principles in our lives more completely.
We pray because that is our means of communicating with God - He has told us in His word how we can pray - but we don’t recite empty mantras or repeated phrases - rather we can pour our our hearts in praise and pain, joy and sorrow.
We give because God has instructed us to do so - we’re going to consider this act of giving more fully in a couple of weeks - and we won’t be just considering money - in fact, I think that most of what we give is of ourselves of the talents that God has gifted us.
We do life with one another because we are the church (we’ll unpack this more in just a moment). Our gathering is not just vertical - us to God and God to us - but it is horizontal as well.
Which brings us to our next point. Not only do we gather because it’s important to God, but...
We gather because it’s important for one another
We gather because it’s important for one another
We’ve been considering some of these in our quarterly members meetings - contemplating what it means for us to do life together. During those reflections, we’ve tried to consider some of these in a bit more depth. But I think it’s important for us to realize that we can’t be a church alone. I am not a church. You, individually are not a church.
An assembly (ecclesia) by it’s very definition must include more than one. And so because it’s more than one, there are some considerations that we must have toward each other. We gather with each other because we need each other.
This might feel a bit like drinking through a fire hose, but let me just list for us these one another statements that seem to deal with church life that we find in the New Testament. You see, we are commanded to:
Welcome one another - Rom. 15:7
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Greet one another - Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Wait for one another (as we share the Lord’s supper) - 1 Cor. 11:33
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—
Care for one another - 1 Cor. 12:25
that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
Forgive one another - Eph. 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Serve one another - Gal. 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Be kind to one another - Eph. 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Do good to one another - 1 Th. 5:15
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
Notice that there is even a distinction here between those who are members of the church (one another) and those who are not (everyone).
Confess sins to one another - James 5:16
Pray for one another - James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Show hospitality to one another - 1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Encourage one another - Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Th. 4:18; 5:11
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Speak to one another… - Eph 5:19
addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
Don’t lie to one another - Col. 3:9
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
Comfort one another - 2 Cor. 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Bear with one another - Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Be clothed with humility toward one another - 1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Live in harmony with one another - Rom. 12:16; 13:5; Col. 3:13ff;
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Show honor to one another - Rom. 12:10
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Love one another - John 13:34-35; 15:12; 15:17; Rom. 12:10; 1 Th. 3:12; 4:9 (and many more - 16 references in all)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We could spend weeks in Sunday School, Small Groups, or even in sermons unpacking each of these -but I hope that you see that we need one another.
In order for us to be obedient to what God has called us to do here, we need one another.
In order for us to use our gifts, we need one another.
In order for this assembly to honor Christ fully, we need one another to be using the gifts that God has given us.
Closing thoughts
Closing thoughts
So we’ve considered what is the church - an assembly or gathering of believers
Beloved - if you are a follower of Christ and a covenant member of PBC - you are needed here in order for us to collectively fulfill the mission and the work that God has placed before us.
Friend - if you are a follower of Christ, and you feel like PBC is your church home, but you are not yet a covenant member, let me encourage you to consider joining - we want you, there is a place for you. Membership is not a matter of counting heads or trying to have a big role - if anything, I want our membership roles to closely align with who is attending. If you are interested in officially joining PBC as a covenant member - would you let one of the elders know - Vern, Carl, or myself?
Friend - if you are not yet a follower of Christ, if you’ve not yet trusted in Jesus as your savior, let me encourage you to consider confessing your sin to God, accepting God’s free gift of eternal life and becoming a part of His global family. There is a place for you in His Kingdom. There is a place for you in this church.
We are PBC. We are an assembly of believers here in Poolesville, who do live with one another as we gather to glorify God.
In your bulletins, you received a small pamphlet that has our statement of beliefs and our covenant. Reneta graciously consolidated this into something that is easy to hold. This is not our entire constitution, but really deals more with what makes us a little different from other churches. Just like each family is a unique family - the Bormans are different than the Ademas, the Knights are different than the Johnsons - and yet all of these are families - this document helps us understand a bit of what make us PBC - what makes us a church family. Let me encourage you to read over that. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to any of the elders.
You’ll also notice on your handout that you have some discussion questions. My hope is that these will help us foster a sense of mutual discipleship as we discuss God’s Word and the things that God is teaching us together. If you are a parent, let me encourage you to take one night this week and discussion some of these questions over dinner. If you don’t have kids at home or are single, let me encourage you to gather with some friends and discuss - maybe even form a small group where you can take some time to discuss God’s word together and pray for one another.
Let’s pray
Discussion Questions:
When you think of a church, what comes to mind? How is does this compare with the idea of an “assembly” that is gathered around a set of beliefs?
Why is the church important to God? How does knowing that God values the church so much impact your view of the church?
Look over the list of “one another” statements. Which statement surprises you the most? Which ones are the easiest for you to do? Which ones are the most difficult? Why?
Choose one or more one another statement(s), read some of the references listed and their surrounding verses. How do you think this statement would have been applied in the early church? List some ways that you might be able to live this out today with fellow members of PBC.