Series: What You Started
Sermon: What You Actually Started
Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:18, Mark 2:15-17, Acts 1:8
REVIEW
This week, we wrapped up the What You Started series by diving into what Jesus truly started when He said He would build His church. Throughout the West, we see a dramatic decrease in church attendance and the percentage of people claiming Christianity. This seems at odds with Jesus's promise of a movement that nothing would be able to stand against. To fully buy into Jesus's movement, we have to understand exactly what that movement is!
By looking at the first use of the word "church" in Matthew 16, we learned that “church” comes from the Greek word Ecclesia, meaning “the called out,” not a building, service, or religious institution. We explored how, over time, the church became more about buildings, rules, and tradition instead of the movement of ordinary people called out to make a difference. Jesus didn’t build a physical temple or a religious system—He started a movement.
Jesus also promised that "the gates of Hades" would not be able to withstand this new movement. The Ecclesia is an offensive movement meant to push back the darkness and take ground for the Kingdom of God. This is what we are called to as MetaChurch: not just to attend services but to go out into the world and bring Jesus's life-changing message to everyone we encounter.
APPLY
Have you historically viewed "church" as a movement you're called to be part of or as a place you attend?
How can you step up in your role as part of the Ecclesia, taking Jesus's love and hope to the people in your world?
Where do you see opportunities to "take ground" for the Kingdom of God in your community, workplace, or relationships?
PRAY
Take some time to thank God for calling you into His movement and giving you purpose beyond just attending church. Ask God to show you where He calls you to take ground for His Kingdom in your life. Pray for the courage to step out and live as part of the Ecclesia, bringing the love of Jesus to everyone you encounter.
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