18th Jan 09 - Pastor Tani Omideyi

Speaker: Pastor Tani Omideyi

Topic: The Church Family

Text: Ephesians 3:10

The bible is very clear about role of the household. Our home is what underpins the church family and is where the battle is won and lost. The Lord Jesus Christ came through the lineage of .

What is the Church?

·     The bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7)

·     The Body of Christ (Ephesians 5:23)

·     Like living stones; (I Peter 2:5) the church is like a spiritual house formed by individual bricks. It therefore draws its strength from the contribution of individual members. It is not a ‘DIY’ and so believers are not meant to isolate themselves but fellowship with others.

·     Royal Priesthood, Holy nation; (I Peter 2: 9); God picks us out as a nation for Himself out of the nations of the earth.

·     The Body of believers; the local assembly or church is part of the whole body of Christ

Kingdom Agenda

God had a divine purpose and plan in making the church. The main roles of the church are;

·     To manifest the power of God (Matthew 16:16-19); the church has been granted authority to bring about change on earth. It is the agent by which God rules in His Kingdom (the domain of God’s rule)

·     To hold believers accountable (I Timothy 3:15) and dispensing truth in the Kingdom. The church stands as the pillar and foundation of truth. It is there to demonstrate the right behaviour in the Kingdom.

·     To be the ‘presence’ of God in the Kingdom (Ephesians 1:22-23, Matthew 5:13,14). We are the ‘salt and light’ of the world.

·     To proclaim the goodness of God (I Peter 2:9)

·     To be a foretaste of the Kingdom (Ephesians 3:10); the Church is a picture of Christ’s reign on earth. It is the ‘coming attraction’ of His rule.

The Early Church

·     Had all things in common. They met regularly and built strong relationships (Acts 2:42, 44)

·     Was committed to teaching, prayer, fellowship and breaking of bread (Acts 2: 42)

·     Was accountable (Acts 4: 32-36)

·     Was powerful; full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4; 31, 33)

Agenda for Temple of Praise

·     Build relationships; show respect in the way we address each other, foster fellowship through community activities and demonstrate love of Christ.

·     Develop commitment; in bible study groups, prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread (1^st Sunday of each month)

·     Become accountable; to God for the mission entrusted to us, to leadership, to each other (prayer triplets)

·     Grow in the power of the Holy Spirit in 2009