Embraced identity –
“Meeting as a church in Jesus'
name.”
Early
on, every group of Christians needs to answer questions
like: “What are we? Why do we meet? How does God see us and
what does he want us to be/do?”
Some groups are slow to embrace their identity as a “real
church,” preferring to think of themselves as a Bible
study, a cell that meets as part
of a church, a
fellowship/prayer/discussion group, etc. But it’s important
for a group, as soon as it legitimately is
one, to acknowledge
and embrace its identity as a real “church” because of the
privileges and responsibilities which attend that role.
1. A
“church” = “Followers of Jesus who regularly meet
in
his name.” We don't go
to church, we are
the church. So we
need to use language like, "I'm part of the church that
meets at _____."
2. What it takes to “meet in
Jesus’ name”:
•
Centering our attention on him as our Lord and honoring him
as immediately present
with us.
• Striving to handle every situation and interaction as he
himself would, as his representatives and ambassadors. This
involves thoughtfully considering his interests, frequently
consulting and “listening” for his guidance, actively
seeking to discern his will and zealously working to
advance his cause.
To help you
present this "ESSENTIAL" to your group(s) so they will
adopt and apply it, read a free chapter from the
book
Gold,
Silver and Precious Stones
by clicking on
this link: Embraced
Identity