Udate 17 - "One Whole"

Update 17

Addressing the State of Our Church

Sermon #1 – “One Whole”

            Next week I will be attending, district assembly. Nazarene Churches from Southern California will be gathering to celebrate what God has done in the local churches as well as conduct business affairs and give various reports. That being the case, I have worked out a sermon series entitled “Update 17”. This series will give us a chance to look in the mirror as a church, seeking further direction concerning God’s plan for our church.

            My desire is that each one of us finds a place of belonging and significance within our church community. To assure that this takes place for everyone, I pray that together we move into the future God has for us. For that to happen, we must learn that each one is valuable to the whole.

            The idea that one is valuable to the whole can be seen in 1 Corinthians 12. The first thing that Paul the Apostle teaches in this chapter is the Holy Spirit has given each individual gift for the good of the whole (V. 1-7). It is healthy to read the following passage with your gift, talents, and abilities in mind. How do they apply to the whole of the church?

            Secondly, in 1 Corinthians 12 we come to learn that which the Holy Spirit gives you is by His choosing (V.8-13). This truth originates the need for a personal revelation. Through prayer and participation in the church, we can discover how the Holy Spirit has gifted us. An appropriate question is, how has God gifted you?

            Finally, the idea that one is valuable to the whole demands the understanding that without you, part our body is missing (V. 12-31). Without your gifts present in the community our community is less that it should be. As difficult as all of us can be at times, the church still needs everyone. With this in mind, I challenge you to make us healthy, by becoming healthy.

            As we all accept this challenge, we must keep in mind that our church will be weak if we fail to understand what it means to be a part if the Body of Christ. Romans 12: 3-8 teaches us how to accomplish this. First, by having a realistic self-image (V. 3). Second, we are not going to be or do the same things (v.4). Third, we are a part of each other (V.5). And finally, we are to operate within our gifts through the grace of Christ. May you never doubt that you are a significant part of the whole church.