MAY 27-31 | The Local Church 2

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV): So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Here, Paul emphasizes the role of church leaders in equipping believers for service and fostering unity and maturity within the body of Christ.

As ambassadors of Christ, the local church bears witness to God's truth in a world covered in darkness. In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the church as

the pillar and foundation of the truth

Through its proclamation of the gospel and advocacy for righteousness and justice, the local church stands as a prophetic voice against deception and oppression.

This does two things:

  1. Creates a foundation for WITNESS

  2. Creates a community of PRAYER

What is it to witness?

  • Proclamation of the Gospel: The primary mission of the church is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world (Matthew 28:19-20). By sharing the message of salvation through Jesus, the church confronts the lies and deception of the enemy with the truth of God's love and grace.

  • Exemplifying Kingdom Values: Through its actions and witness, the church demonstrates the values of God's kingdom, such as love, compassion, humility, and integrity (Matthew 5:14-16). By living out these values in its relationships and interactions with others, the church offers a compelling alternative to the lies and manipulation of the world.

  • Confronting Deceptive Ideologies: The church confronts deceptive ideologies and worldviews that contradict the truth of God's Word (2 Corinthians 10:5). This may involve addressing cultural norms, philosophies, or ideologies that undermine the authority of Scripture or promote falsehoods contrary to God's truth.

What is it to pray?

As Segadores we’re going to be familiar with this one, but the local church is a powerhouse of prayer, interceding for God's truth to prevail and His kingdom to come. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul urges believers to

"pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Through prayer and spiritual warfare, the local church engages in the battle against spiritual forces of darkness and deception.

PreachingRico CruzComment