Sermon – The Unexpected Identity of Jesus and His Church
April 14th, 2008The Unexpected Identity of Jesus and His Church [1]
INTRO:A. God loves surprises. And by that I mean that God loves to surprise. The problem is that often people do not appreciate, understand, like, or agree with God’s surprises. A surprise, by definition, is something unexpected. Jesus was a surprise to the first century Jews, and today the church is a surprise to the world just as it was a surprise to the first century. By surprise, I do not mean totally unexpected, but rather unexpected in its revealed form. Before we reject the surprises of God because they are not what we expect, may I suggest that grace itself is God’s biggest surprise. That means we should embrace the surprises of God that are contrary to our own expectations because if we do not, then we cannot even embrace salvation by grace.
B. Premise and Progression of Sermon· Jesus was rejected because He was not the type of Messiah the Jews expected.· The Church today has the same mission as Jesus had.· The
Mission of the Church today is rejected because it is not the type of Church people expect.
C. Question – While “Christianity” has not totally rejected Jesus, has “Christianity” rejected His church?
BODY:I. JESUS WAS UNEXPECTEDA. In the first century, Jesus and His kingdom were expected. In the first century, Jesus and His kingdom were not expected. What do I mean by that? 1. A Messiah and a kingdom were expected. When John the Baptist was born, Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ (Luke 3:15). When John started his ministry, the book of John (chapter 1) record, (19) This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from
Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” (20) And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” (21) They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he *said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” (22) Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” (John 1:19-22). Then when John was nearing the end of his life, John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to Jesus to ask, “Are you the Expected One?” (Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19-20). The first century was the fulfillment of thousands of years, and providentially the people were expecting.2. And yet, history records that Jesus the Messiah was rejected, both during His life and through and because of His death, and after His resurrection. Why was He who was expected, rejected? Jesus did not meet their expectations.
B. Why were the expectations not met? Why are expectations of anything not met? Because of misconceptions. For example, many get married with the expectation that love solves all problems and then get surprised that the credit card company doesn’t want their love – just their money! With reference to the Jews rejecting Jesus, it is easy to say that both the Jews misunderstood the scriptures. That may be true to some extent, but I think it is shallow reasoning based solely on an intellectual level. I think the problem is more personal. The unexpected often comes because of our own preconceived preferences – in other words, what we what. Too often our own expectations, our own wishes and plans, do not come from a Biblically induced reality, but rather from a self-created unreality. History shows again and again that man has created God in his own image. Did the first century Jews create the Messiah in their own image, and then reject Him because the reality did not fit into their scheme of imagination?1. Luke 7:29-30 – (29) When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. (30) But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.2. John 19:14-16 – (14) Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” (15) So they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate *said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” (16) So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.
C. Let’s look at some of the misconceptions that the Jews had of their perceived Messiah and misconceptions of how they perceived the true Messiah.
II. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT JESUS #1 – His Origin – He Was Just A ManA. Scriptures:· Matthew 13:54-57 – (54) He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? (55) “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? (56) “And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” (57) And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.”· Matthew 22:41-46 – (41) Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: (42) “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” They *said to Him, “The son of David.” (43) He *said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, (44) ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET”‘? (45) “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?” (46) No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.
B. Today many still have misconceptions about the origin of Jesus, that Jesus was just a man.1. Quotes:· H.G. Wells – “We will paint him just as he appears to be, a man.“· Ernest Renan – “Jesus never once gave utterance to the sacrilegious idea that he was God.“· “…Jesus never dreamt of posing as an incarnation of God….“· “He was not sinless; he has conquered the same passions that we combat; no angel of God comforted him, except his good conscience; no Satan tempted him, except that which each one bears in his heart. In the same way that many of his great qualities are lost to us, through the fault of his disciples, it is also probable that many of his faults have been concealed.“
C. Reality of Jesus’ Origin: Jesus is Divine.· John 1:1-5 – (1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (4) In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. (5) The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.· John 8:52-59 – (52) The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ (53) “Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?“ (54) Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; (55) and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. (56) “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” (57) So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” (58) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” (59) Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.
D. Question – Are we willing to accept that Jesus’ origin is eternal and not earthly?
III. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT JESUS #2 – His Position – He Was One Among ManyA. Scriptures:· Matthew 17:1-4 – Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves. (2) And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. (3) And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (4) Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”o Admittedly, we all would be thrilled and honored to be in the company of Moses and Elijah as equals, wouldn’t we? But Jesus is greater than the greatest of men.· Matthew 16:13-14 – (13) Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (14) And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”o Admittedly, all these others are very great men. Wouldn’t we all be honored to be in their company? But Jesus is greater than the greatest of men.
B. The Reality – Jesus was and is above all others.· Matthew 17:5 – “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”· John 1:14-15 – “He is greater than I”· John 14:6 – “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”· John 6:35 – “I am the bread of Life”· John 8:12 – “I am the Light of the world”· Hebrews 1:3 – “he is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature”· Colossians 1:15-18 – (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (16) For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. (17) He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (18) He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. C. Are we willing to give Jesus first place in our lives, above all else? IV. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT JESUS #3 – His Mission – His Mission was EarthlyA. I personally believe that this misconception led to the rest. It is common knowledge that the Jews were expecting a King who would conquer the Romans and free them from the political tyranny of the heathen Gentiles. And as we are about to see, their expectations were not only of a grand nature, but they were also self-servinbg – they wanted their new king to be like the Roman Caesar and give them bread. 1. I am about to read a lengthy text but there are a few things I want to say first. There is a difference between Jesus (God) wanting to provide for the basic needs of people, including bread, and people following Jesus only because He fed them.2. No one can deny that Jesus fed people in His lifetime through miracles and compassion. However, noticed what happens when people start to follow Jesus only for food. Notice Jesus’ reaction. B. Scriptures (John 6):John 6:5-15 – (5) Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, *said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” (6) This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. (7) Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” (8) One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, *said to Him, (9) “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (10) Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (11) Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. (12) When they were filled, He *said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” (13) So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. (14) Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (15) So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. John 6:26-31 – Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. (27) “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” (28) Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” (29) Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (30) So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? (31) “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.’” John 6:32-34 – (32) Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. (33) “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” (34) Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” John 6:35-41 – (35) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. (36) “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. (37) “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. (38) “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (39) “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. (40) “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (41) Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, “I am the bread that came down out of heaven.” John 6:66 – As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. C. The Reality – Christ came to save the lost.· Luke 19:2-10 – (2) And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. (3) Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. (4) So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. (5) When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (6) And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. (7) When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” (8) Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” (9) And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. (10) “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” D. Question – Are we willing to accept Jesus as the Son of God because we need salvation and not because we hope to get something else from Him?
V. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT JESUS #4 – His Plans – He Was Embarrassing and OffensiveA. Embarrassing 1. Mark 3:21 – (21) When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.”2. “Had there been a lunatic asylum in the suburbs of
Jerusalem, Jesus Christ would infallibly have been shut up in it at the outset of his public career. That interview with Satan on a pinnacle of the
Temple would alone have damned him, and everything that happened after could have but confirmed the diagnosis.”
~ Henry
Havelock Ellis3. In my life, I have been in a few insane asylums…visiting people. Did you know Jesus Christ was almost arrested, not because of supposed blasphemy, or being possessed by a demon, or envy, or in rebellion against Caesar, but because people thought He was insane. Our Lord was almost arrested for being insane. Not the best recommendation to be listed on a resume!
B. Offensive1. John 10:20 – (20) Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him?”
C. The Reality – God’s ways are not man’s ways· 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – (18) For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (19) For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” (20) Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (21) For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. (22) For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; (23) but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, (24) but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (26) For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; (27) but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, (28) and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, (29) so that no man may boast before God. (30) But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, (31) so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”
D. Question – Are we willing to accept Jesus on His terms, not ours?
VI. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT JESUS #5 – His Associations A. Scriptures:· Luke 5:29-32 And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. (30) The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” (31) And Jesus answered and said to them, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. (32) “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”· Luke 7:34 – “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’· “His was an unconventional ministry aimed at fishermen, tax collectors, and housewives – people who were not the elite of his time. In spite of his astounding popularity, it was clear that he was charting his own course, and playing up to no-one. Some of his teachings even contradicted the conventional wisdom of his time.“ (Ibid., “The Unexpected Jesus,” pp.3-4.)
VII. WHO IS ACCEPTED JESUS?A. There are three ways that I want to answer this question. · The first is the traditional answer – sinners, outcasts, downtrodden.· The second answer is those who did not have false expectations but were willing to accept Jesus as is without trying to change Him and mold Him into their image. · Those willing to change their expectations.
B. I think there are some evangelistic lessons we can learn from this.
VIII. THE CHURCH IS UNEXPECTED – THE MISCONCEPTIONS OF HIS CHURCHA. If Jesus as Jesus was not expected because of the misconceptions of the 1st century Jews and therefore they rejected the Messiah; could the church as the church also not be expected because of misconceptions throughout the centuries and therefore be rejected?
B. It is only logical to realize that if the first century people had misconceptions concerning Jesus, that people today would have the same misconceptions concerning His body, the church he left behind. If we don’t accept the head, we cannot accept the body.
C. One of the main problems with people throughout the history of Christianity is the desire to mold the church into something worldly. But the church is not of this world.· John 18:36 – Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”
D. We would all agree that the moral values of the kingdom are not the world’s. Just read the Sermon on the Mount. However, why is it then we have difficulty accepting that if the church’s values are not the world’s values, then what about the worship of the church, work and organization of the church? Should we listen to the world or to the word?
IX. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH #1 – It’s Origin – The Church Was Founded By MenA. If people were mistaken about the origin of Jesus, should we be surprised that today people are mistaken about the origin of the church?
B. Oftentimes when studying about church origins and denominationalism, it is common to form a list such as below:· In 1534, Henry VIII founded the Church of England (Anglican Church), which became the Episcopalian church in this country.· In 1536, John Calvin founded the Presbyterian Church.· In 1607, John Symthe founded the
Baptist
Church.· In 1739, John Wesley founded the
Methodist
Church.· In 1830, William Miller founded the
Adventist
Church.· In 1872, Charles Russell founded the Jehovah’s Witnesses.· Jesus Christ, not a mere man, founded the “one church” of which I am a member.
C. The Benefit of such a list:1. The benefit is that historically we can see when certain denominations began. It cannot be denied that the Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Adventist, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other denominations did not exist in the first century. a. When discussing that this church is nondenominational, I often ask people two questions:· Were there any denominations in the 1st Century? Every single person I have asked has said that there were not. · If there were no denominations, why would I want to be part of one? I have never received a positive answer yet.
D. The Problem of such a list:1. The problem with making such a list is that it can imply (unintentionally or intentionally) that people who began certain denominations had an evil and malicious intent. Now grant it, Henry VIII had a less than pure intention – he was Catholic and the Pope would not grant him a divorce. So he began a new church. However most men associated with the beginning of a denomination had pure motives. They were not trying to start a new denomination. They were simply trying to serve God. Many of them suffered martyrdom and persecution for their beliefs. Martin Luther himself, who has a denomination named after him, even deplored the name Lutheran. · “I pray you leave my name alone and not to call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians. Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine: I have not been crucified for any one…How does it then benefit me, a miserable bag of dust and ashes, to give my name to the children of Christ? Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with all of them; and let us call ourselves only Christians, after Him from whom our doctrine comes.” (Life of Luther, by Michelet, p. 262).2. And yet the end result cannot be denied. Denominations came into existence. Why? Because the new denominations were built upon certain beliefs instead of the whole Bible.
E. The Solution1. Is it possible to be nothing more than a Christian, a part of the church belonging to Jesus Christ? Is it possible to have a belief and practice not original with men, but from a sound and scriptural interpretation of the Bible? Is it possible for a church to be nothing more and nothing less than a
church of
Christ? If so, I want to be part of that church because that church did not originate with men. We are going to read a rather lengthy passage. I want you to focus on the origin of all these blessings that are found in Christ for those who are in His Divinely originating church.2. Ephesians 1:3-23 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love (5) He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, (6) to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (8) which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight (9) He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him (10) with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him (11) also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, (12) to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. (15) For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, (16) do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; (17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. (18) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, (19) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (20) which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (22) And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.1. After looking at this rather lengthy passage, answer the question – is the
church of
Christ from heaven or from men?
F. Questions• Are we willing to accept the church as being divine in origin?• What kind of church do we want to be part of?
X. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH #2 – It’s Position – The Church Is One Among ManyA. If people were mistaken about the position of Christ, should we be surprised that many are mistaken about the church?
B. “Christianity” today is about as divided as one can get. Even among the various denominations there is division. The biggest Protestant denomination, the Baptists, has over 50 different separate groups.
C. There used to be a day when the different denominations actually stood for something. You wouldn’t catch a Presbyterian fellowshipping a Lutheran.
D. Nowadays, the more general thought is that “One church is as good as another.”
E. There appears to be another danger too – making the church the Savior.· “Luke’s former documentary (Gospel of Luke) ended with Jesus charge for His disciples to stay in
Jerusalem and wait for the POWER they would be endowed with there and a testimony to Jesus’ Ascension into the heavens. The new letter to Theophilus, Acts, will document the POWER of Jesus in and through His disciples. Acts is therefore a brief historical documentary and summary of the POWER of the
church of
Christ in a hostile world.” – T.B. “The Power of the Church”
F. Choosing the right local congregation is far more involved than looking at a sign. We need to choose a
church of
God’s choice. Christ purchased a church (Acts 20:28); He built a church (Matt. 16:18); He is savior of a church (Eph. 5:23); He is head of a church (Eph. 1:22).
G. Scriptures: · Matthew 16:13-18 – Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (14) And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” (15) He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (16) Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (17) And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (18) “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. · Ephesians 4:1-6 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, (2) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, (3) being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.· 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. (11) For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. (12) Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” (13) Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?· Admittedly the above text is not specifically about denominations – because denominations did not exist in the first century. But we can use it to teach a principle – God wants unity not division.
H. Question – Does it matter which church we belong to? Does it matter what you believe about Jesus? The church we belong to is evidence about our relationship to Jesus Christ. Is He the one and only?
XI. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH #3 – It’s Mission – The Church’s
Mission Is EarthlyA. If people were mistaken about the mission of Jesus, should we be surprised that people are mistaken about the mission of the church? And if people rejected Jesus because they misunderstood His mission, is it possible people will reject simple Christianity because they misunderstand the mission of the church?
B. Wrong Missions· Many want to turn the church into a fund raiser for all sorts of human institutions: the home, kitchens, colleges, etc.· The mission of the church is not to provide recreation, ball teams and golf tournaments.· The mission of the church is not to become a benevolent society.· 1 Timothy 5:16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
C. “But Wait,” people might argue, “didn’t Jesus feed people?” Yes He did. But:· He condemned people for following only for food.o John 6:26 – Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. · He did not feed people to get them to follow Him, He fed them because they were already thereo Matthew 14:15-18 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” (16) But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” (17) They *said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” (18) And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”
D. People fall away from the Lord, and consequently this church, because He, and we, are not what they expect. We are simple Christians. We gather together to worship God. That is a hard concept for people to accept, a church is a worshipping community. Today’s “religious folk” want a church which is a social community, a poor man’s country club.
E. Acts 6:1-4 - Primary Responsibilities: Prayer, ministry of the word.
XII. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH #4 – It’s Plans – The Church Is Embarrassing and Offensive
A. If people were embarrassed and offended by Jesus should we be surprised that people are embarrassed and offended by the church?
B. A “Strange” Church1. Many are just as embarrassed by the church today as those embarrassed by the Savior many years ago.2. Some need a popular church filled with entertainment.3. Think back in your life, maybe only as far as yesterday, has anyone ever thought you crazy because of your religious beliefs and practices?4. I sometimes wonder if we are too comfortable in our religion, and the world too comfortable with us.5. What we need today is the ability to hold up Jesus Christ as and him crucified and let him draw all men unto himself.a. This is what Paul preached (1 Cor.2:2; 1:23; Gal.3:1).b. This is what Peter preached (Acts 4:10)c. This is what Christ preached (Jn.12:32).
XIII. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CHURCH #5 – Its Associates - SinnersA. In the first century the very religious rejected Jesus of who He associated Himself with. Can people today make the same mistake thinking churches are only for people like themselves – “raised in the church?”
B. Article:Sad to say, some churches have limited the folks they would serve. By their very names some declare that they exist to serve certain ethnic, social, or nations groups. Conversely, the church which Christ built is unique because, by design, it is a church for all people.
There are no social distinctions. Paul reminded the Christians in
Galatia that there are neither bond nor free persons in Christ. All are one (Galatians 3:28).
There are no racial distinctions. In the same place, Paul said there can be neither Jew nor Greek in the Lord’s church (Galatians 3:28).
There are no economic distinctions. Jesus rebuked those Christians who discriminated against the poor and fawned upon the rich. Such behavior was totally unacceptable in Christ (James 2:9).
There are no age distinctions. Christ made it clear that children were welcomed in his kingdom (Matthew 19:13-14). The prophet Joel predicted that young and old alike would have a place in Messiah’s kingdom (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
There are no political affiliations or agendas in the
church of
Christ. His kingdom was, and is, “not of this world” (John 18:36). Christ’s church is not attached to any political party. Its loyalty is to Him alone (Philippians 3:13).
When these and other negative and undesirable aspects are eliminated, we are left with pure, unadulterated Christianity. This is what we must strive for. With the Bible as our only guide and Christ as our only head, we can be the church he wants us to be. We need only trust and obey. Share the good news. Tell you friends and neighbors about Christ and the possibility of being simply a Christian, a member of that church established by Christ, of which you can read in your New Testament. (www.theonetruechurch.com) XIV. WHO ACCEPTED HIS KINGDOM?A. The same people who accept the king will accept the kingdom. The answer is those who are willing to put aside their misconceptions and accept the church as the church.
B. To help people get over their expectations, I wrote something for the website that I want to also organize for a handout to give to visitors. It is called, “Don’t Expect What You Expect”
CONCLUSION:
Don’t Expect What You Expect
God is full of surprises! So just maybe, if we are a church that belongs to God, just maybe, our church should be full of surprises, too!
Many websites have a section which is entitled, “What To Expect When You Visit.” Go there, and you’ll find the positive attributes of the church. But I wonder…if instead of advertising what you should expect, maybe I should discuss what you won’t get even though you expect it. Maybe, what you expect is not what we are at all. Jesus spent His entire life on earth not being what people expected.
What you might expect is a church filled with people with few problems because, after all, isn’t the popular way of religion today to pretend that Christians are almost perfect? Isn’t the way most churches preach the gospel suggesting that being a Christian will solve all our problems? Isn’t it commonly expected that God will make life easy as soon as we come up out of the waters of baptism? Instead, what you will find here are people who are still struggling, but still being forgiven. You will find people here with pasts that are not perfect, and who don’t judge those who aren’t perfect either. God hasn’t solved all our problems, but He has given us the working solution – Jesus. Yes, I wish Jesus would use His grace and power to instantaneously cure us of all our weaknesses and problems. But don’t expect us to teach you that false hope – or to live that false hope. Our journey is to become more like Christ. A life-time journey. We are still growing in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). Did you expect to be welcomed by forgiven sinners?
Because of our view of God’s holiness, we don’t do certain things that other churches do – things you might expect. Why? We don’t think God has instructed us to through His Word, which is an expression of His holiness. Our Holy God is in charge!
What you might expect is instrumental music because most churches today have it. So you might expect pianos, bands and synthesizers, but you won’t get what you expect. Jesus’ New Covenant, the word of God, instructs us Christians to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). When you visit, expect the unexpected – expect singing, pure and holy, that just might bring a tear to your eye and praise to your lips. Or you just might find yourself sitting there and listening to the grace in our voices (Col.3:16). In fact, you probably didn’t expect to hear music so spiritual.
What you expect just might be a service that is totally dedicated to attracting visitors. After all, churches want to get bigger and bigger don’t they? Boom! Bam! Bang! No time to get bored! While the Bible does teach that our services can have an impact on visitors (James 2; 1 Corinthians 14), every Sunday you will find a period of quiet reflection, worship, and thankfulness, both to God and each other, as we serve and observe the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor.11; Acts 20:7). You might not expect something so boring in a church today, but that’s OK. When you give your life to Christ you will find many blessings in unexpected places, including the excitement of our Lord’s communion. So don’t expect to be entertained. Do expect to be engaged into the wonder of worship.
What you might expect is a fellowship hall with a playground and kitchen because again, most churches today have those. Have you ever been distracted in church by the smell of food wafting through the air? You might expect that here too, but you won’t get it. The Bible instructs Christians and families to be hospitable, and not to make meals a part of the church (1 Cor.11:34). In fact, when you visit with us, you might get something you don’t expect – an invitation to eat out or over to someone’s house for a meal and some down-home, family hospitality. How many times have you visited elsewhere and got invited to someone’s home? I hope many times. So expect that you just might get that here even though you didn’t expect it.
What you might expect is a church hungry for your money, always trying to raise more and more. Bake sales, yard sales, car washes, special collections, church raffles all have a place in most churches, which is why you probably would expect that here. But don’t. Don’t expect that we will “hit you up” for money. We won’t. We do take up a collection, but it is from our own people. In fact, the only way we raise money is through the free will giving of our own members (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). No money-making campaigns here. No church calendars or cookbooks to pawn off to friends and neighbors. So when we are collecting the contribution, don’t expect to be asked to give. In fact, be expected to be asked not to give. Didn’t expect that, did you?
What you might expect is an ornate building, dedicated to God, after all, “Doesn’t God deserve the best?” Yes, God does deserve the best – our lives. God does not dwell in buildings (Acts 17:24). God’s temple is us (1 Cor.3:16). Our building meets the needs of God’s work; it is not designed to impress. An emphasis on building structures is not what you should expect. Building lives is. So expect to be changed by grace.
God is full of surprises. Do you think those in the first century expected the type of Savior that God sent them? Do you think they expected God’s salvation to be born in a manger and to die like a criminal? Do you think they expected a real resurrection? God did not give them what they expected.
So what you expect just might not be what you get. But what you get is not what you expected either. But that’s OK, God is full of surprises; so His church should be too!
[1]Several points from Rodney Miller, “The Identity of Jesus and His Church,” Sowing the Seed, ed. Wayne Greeson. H.G. Wells.Ernest Renan, The Life Of Jesus, p.69.
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