2012 MARCH WEEK THREE LESSON

The Purpose of the Church

Main Texts: Acts 2:37-47
Memory Verse: Acts 2:42
The purpose of the Church is three-fold;

To Reach up to God in Worship
This is where praise, honour and adoration are directed to God, for His gracious gifts to His people through Jesus Christ.
·   Glorifying and adoring Him as God the Creator.
·   Speaking of His majestic power and authority.
·   Giving to acknowledge that He is the giver of life and all things.

To Reach in to Believers in Fellowship Acts. 2:42-47

·   Having fellowship means ministering to one another, in relationship, service to one another in love and assisting each other without expecting a reward. We serve one another with our talents no matter the cost.
·   Teach, exhort and encourage in love, share our time and substance with one another
·   Demonstrate practical love to each other.
·   Forgive one another in time of offences and be faithful to one another.
·   Pray for and share in the fears and aspirations of one another.

 To Reach out to Sinners in Evangelism -Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-17

• To bring people to Christ through personal and mass evangelism

Through her three -fold purpose, the church:
·  Sustains Christ's ministry on earth (Luke 24:46-47)
·  Promotes righteousness in the world (1 Pet. 2: 11-12)
·  Destroys the work of the devil through prayer, the word of God and evangelism.(Eph. 6:10-12)

When these purposes are in balance, the Church experiences growth and we all come to perfect stature in Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).

Points for Discussion
What are some of the ways by which the following purpose of the Church is fulfilled in your local Assembly
a.  Worship
b.  Fellowship
c.  Evangelism
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