SERIES: CHRISTIAN BELIEF AND THE MODERN WORLD (6 OF 8)

NOTE: This sermon is part 11 and 12 of a 16 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 11: The Church (11 of 16)
Series: Christian Belief And The Modern World
Stuart Briscoe

To many people, the Church is an article of belief, but to others it has become an obstacle to belief. Many have difficulty believing in a "holy Church," and opinions differ over the concept of a "Catholic Church."

I. I Believe in the Church.

A. The meaning of "Church."
1. From "Kyriake" = "the Lord's."

2. "Ekklesia" = "assembly" = "called out."
a. LXX = "Qahal" = God's people.

B. The purpose of "Church."
1. To be in the Body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22-23

2. To show the wisdom of God. Ephesians 3:10-11
a. In its historical sweep.

b. In its "many colored" splendor.

3. To demonstrate the glory of God. Ephesians 20-21
a. Shown in Christ.

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Part 12: The Communion of Saints
Series: Christian Belief And The Modern World
Stuart Briscoe

There is great interest today in spirituality but not necessarily in the Church, which is Christ's body. Lenny Bruce commented sarcastically, "People are leaving the churches and returning to God." A proper understanding of the Communion of Saints is long overdue.

I. Saints Alive.

A. Who are the saints?
1. Extraordinary people?
a. Those who were martyred.

b. Those who were canonized?

2. Ordinary people?
a. Called. 1 Corinthians 1:2
i. To be the Church.

ii. To be sanctified.

iii. To be identified.

iv. To call on the name of the Lord.

b. Converted. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
i. From estrangement to the Kingdom.

ii. To participation in the Kingdom.