Section III – The Church: The People of God We Love and Build Up: This is an audio reading of Section III of the Seoul Statement, highlighting the identity, purpose, and unity of the global church amidst contemporary challenges. To read the full text, visit lausanne.org/statement/the-seoul-statement.
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.6666666667Section three of the Soul Statement, the church, the people of God we love and build up. 2 00:00:07,546.6666666667 --> 00:00:08,266.6666666667 Introduction. 3 00:00:09,886.6666666667 --> 00:00:17,506.666666667 The 1974 Lausanne Covenant declared World evangelization requires the whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world. 4 00:00:18,436.666666667 --> 00:00:25,726.666666667 The 2024 fourth Lausanne Congress has as its theme, let the church declare and display Christ together. 5 00:00:26,656.666666667 --> 00:00:29,536.666666667 Therefore, how we imagine the church matters greatly. 6 00:00:30,376.666666667 --> 00:00:44,956.666666667 We recognize that the doctrine of the church has received little attention during these decades of extraordinary Christian expansion in the world, and there is little consensus about what the church is, its importance in the life of the Christian and its relevance to our world. 7 00:00:45,646.666666667 --> 00:00:51,346.666666667 The resulting confusion has opened the way for aberrant forms of church that distort the values of Christ and his gospel. 8 00:00:52,186.666666667 --> 00:00:55,636.666666667 It has also increased disillusionment among baptized believers. 9 00:00:56,146.666666667 --> 00:01:07,456.666666667 Leading them to distance themselves from the formal or institutional church Christians today, especially first generation believers, need a more comprehensive, biblical understanding of the church. 10 00:01:08,26.666666667 --> 00:01:15,376.666666667 One that can inspire in them deep appreciation and loyalty as they conduct themselves in God's household. 11 00:01:15,856.666666667 --> 00:01:25,636.666666667 The Church of the Living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth, as instructed by Paul in one Timothy 3 15, 1. 12 00:01:26,176.666666667 --> 00:01:28,276.666666667 The church is the communion of God's people. 13 00:01:30,376.666666667 --> 00:01:34,396.666666667 The ancient apostles creed professes our common faith in the communion of saints. 14 00:01:34,906.666666667 --> 00:01:42,556.66666667 Through the saving work of Jesus Christ, the triune God is gathering and uniting his people as one communion of saints by the Holy Spirit. 15 00:01:43,186.66666667 --> 00:01:47,716.66666667 This fellowship with God and with our brothers and sisters in the church is not our doing. 16 00:01:48,46.66666667 --> 00:01:51,226.66666667 It is God's gift On the day of Pentecost. 17 00:01:51,556.66666667 --> 00:01:57,616.66666667 God revealed this unity as Jesus poured out from the Father, the promised Holy Spirit upon his people. 18 00:01:58,66.66666667 --> 00:02:07,846.66666667 He sent them out to announce the good news and draw others into his new community, to be baptized as members of the body of Christ and to be in dwelt by the Spirit as the temple of God. 19 00:02:08,326.66666667 --> 00:02:18,16.66666667 Still today, the Lord Jesus continues to pour out the Holy Spirit upon the church, and the Holy Spirit continues to glorify the Lord Jesus in and through the church. 20 00:02:18,706.66666667 --> 00:02:23,686.66666667 For reference, see one Corinthians 1227 and second Corinthians six 16. 21 00:02:24,226.66666667 --> 00:02:32,536.66666667 All those who are united to Christ through personal repentance, faith, and the grace of God, have him as their head and together form his body. 22 00:02:33,316.66666667 --> 00:02:45,766.66666667 Therefore, though we are saved as individuals, we are not saved alone, but together with one another as disciples of Jesus, the Spirit incorporates us into Christ as members of his body through faith in his shed blood. 23 00:02:46,366.66666667 --> 00:02:48,916.66666667 Christian baptism is a sign and seal of God's grace. 24 00:02:49,306.66666667 --> 00:02:54,346.66666667 A public declaration of our new allegiance to Christ and our new identification with his church. 25 00:02:54,856.66666667 --> 00:03:07,186.66666667 For reference, C one Corinthians 12 13 2, the church is one holy, Catholic and apostolic with Christ people through the centuries and around the world. 26 00:03:07,516.66666667 --> 00:03:13,486.66666667 We confess in the words of the ine creed that the church is one holy Catholic and apostolic. 27 00:03:14,986.66666667 --> 00:03:21,376.66666667 In all the world and throughout history, the church is one people of God, one body of Christ, and one temple of the Holy Spirit. 28 00:03:21,796.66666667 --> 00:03:28,426.66666667 Through one baptism by the Spirit and the one bride of Christ across time, space, culture, and language. 29 00:03:28,696.66666667 --> 00:03:35,746.66666667 We are one church, united by Christ and his finished work in dwelt by the Holy Spirit and joined together in the love of God. 30 00:03:36,616.66666667 --> 00:03:40,666.66666667 For reference, see Ephesians four, four to six and two Corinthians 11, two. 31 00:03:42,16.66666667 --> 00:03:44,146.66666667 As the visible expression of Christ in the world. 32 00:03:44,416.66666667 --> 00:03:54,766.66666667 The church is called to Christ-like holiness, displayed by our determination to live as those who have been set apart for God and demonstrated by Christ-like character and behavior. 33 00:03:55,366.66666667 --> 00:04:08,356.66666667 For reference, C two Timothy 2 21 and one Peter one 14 through 16, the church of Jesus Christ is Catholic, universal, and all embracing in that all who belong to Christ irrespective of ethnicity. 34 00:04:08,716.66666667 --> 00:04:15,166.66666667 Gender region status or ability belong equally within his new community, the church. 35 00:04:15,676.66666667 --> 00:04:20,746.66666667 Therefore, there is a place for every member, because each part is needed to make up the wholeness of the church. 36 00:04:21,166.66666667 --> 00:04:33,226.66666667 There is a place for boys and girls, for women and men, for ministers and missionaries, for homemakers, educators, laborers, professionals, and marketplace leaders in the church Catholic. 37 00:04:33,226.66666667 --> 00:04:35,386.66666667 No human culture can claim preeminence. 38 00:04:35,866.66666667 --> 00:04:37,876.66666667 All human cultures must bow in submission. 39 00:04:38,251.66666667 --> 00:04:46,471.66666667 Before the God of all wisdom, and as they do so, they each make their contribution to our understanding of scripture and proclamation of the gospel. 40 00:04:47,191.66666667 --> 00:04:52,981.66666667 In this way, God unites us together to declare and display his glory in all our diversity. 41 00:04:53,941.66666667 --> 00:04:57,751.66666667 The local church is the only visible manifestation of the Catholic church. 42 00:04:58,201.66666667 --> 00:05:05,491.66666667 It reveals the glory of God's temple in which all those who belong to Jesus Christ, like living stones have their rightful place. 43 00:05:06,166.66666667 --> 00:05:10,186.66666667 For reference C one Corinthians three, 16 to 17 and 12. 44 00:05:10,186.66666667 --> 00:05:11,266.66666667 12 to 27. 45 00:05:11,986.66666667 --> 00:05:16,396.66666667 Ephesians two, 20 to 21 and one Peter two, four to 10. 46 00:05:17,386.66666667 --> 00:05:20,416.66666667 This one Holy Catholic church is also apostolic. 47 00:05:21,16.66666667 --> 00:05:23,896.66666667 It began its public witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. 48 00:05:23,896.66666667 --> 00:05:33,16.66666667 With the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost and ever since has proclaimed the same message to all the world throughout history and in every place. 49 00:05:33,286.66666667 --> 00:05:34,786.66666667 The church is apostolic. 50 00:05:35,176.66666667 --> 00:05:49,36.66666667 Standing in continuity with Christ's 12 apostles by holding fast to their teaching Once for all entrusted to God's people and handed down from generation to generation through the gift of this living and active word. 51 00:05:49,486.66666667 --> 00:05:55,696.66666667 God builds his church by giving us faith and new life, and so forms his church into the likeness of Christ. 52 00:05:56,686.66666667 --> 00:06:01,781.66666667 For reference, see Romans 10 17, 1 Peter 1 23 and Jude three. 53 00:06:03,611.66666667 --> 00:06:03,961.66666667 Three. 54 00:06:04,681.66666667 --> 00:06:13,591.66666667 The Pilgrim Church faces challenges from without and threats within the church has always faced crises, as our Lord said. 55 00:06:13,921.66666667 --> 00:06:17,521.66666667 In this world, there will be many trials as evidenced throughout history. 56 00:06:17,971.66666667 --> 00:06:26,881.66666667 God's faithful saints have faced and continue to face persecution and severe opposition, often risking their lives for the sake of the Lord they love. 57 00:06:27,631.66666667 --> 00:06:33,541.66666667 The church is built on the blood of the martyrs even so the church's struggle is not against flesh and blood. 58 00:06:33,961.66666667 --> 00:06:38,911.66666667 But against the powers of darkness, the evil one conspires against the Church of Christ. 59 00:06:38,911.66666667 --> 00:06:45,151.66666667 But as Jesus has promised, he continues to build his church and even the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it. 60 00:06:45,871.66666667 --> 00:06:48,511.66666667 For reference, see John 1633. 61 00:06:49,81.66666667 --> 00:06:50,161.66666667 Ephesians six 12. 62 00:06:50,671.66666667 --> 00:06:53,431.66666667 Matthew 1618, revelation one 18. 63 00:06:54,91.66666667 --> 00:07:03,301.66666667 The church carries the treasure of the gospel in earth and vessels in vulnerability and humility, not looking to point to itself, but to the all surpassing power of God. 64 00:07:03,931.66666667 --> 00:07:12,811.66666667 Therefore, it does not resist its opponents according to the powers or armaments of this world, but perseveres through adversity and suffering by the power of God. 65 00:07:13,231.66666667 --> 00:07:18,421.66666667 Fully armed with spiritual weapons of righteousness, empires rise and fall. 66 00:07:18,811.66666667 --> 00:07:28,21.66666667 But the church sustained by its Lord is called to remain steadfast and conduct itself as the household of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. 67 00:07:29,491.66666667 --> 00:07:38,71.66666667 For reference, see Second Corinthians four, seven, John 1836, second Corinthians 6, 7, 1 Timothy three 14 to 16. 68 00:07:39,391.66666667 --> 00:07:42,241.66666667 Yet we are grieved that the church has not always stayed true to this. 69 00:07:42,241.66666667 --> 00:07:42,601.66666667 Calling. 70 00:07:43,111.66666667 --> 00:07:49,801.66666667 Scripture is clear that the greater risk to the church's vitality and the integrity of its message comes from within. 71 00:07:50,431.66666667 --> 00:07:56,641.66666667 It has all too often succumbeded to the allure of political power, of cultural approval, and of the world's pleasures. 72 00:07:57,226.66666667 --> 00:08:00,466.66666667 Abandoning its mandate to be God's prophetic witness in the world. 73 00:08:01,186.66666667 --> 00:08:08,956.66666667 In such instances, the church becomes an instrument of oppression, complicit in acts of injustice, and loses its credibility in the world. 74 00:08:09,646.66666667 --> 00:08:19,546.66666667 These compromises are either consequences of or causes for the church moving away from biblical authority by distorting the scriptures to satisfy mere worldly desires. 75 00:08:20,206.66666667 --> 00:08:24,256.66666667 The twin pillars of faithful belief and practice orthodoxy and orthopraxy. 76 00:08:24,586.66666667 --> 00:08:27,766.66666667 Erode as the church takes its eyes away from Christ and the cross. 77 00:08:28,456.66666667 --> 00:08:37,66.66666667 We lament these failures and sins of our past and repent from ways in which we continue to ignore the conviction of the spirit and the instructions of our Lord. 78 00:08:37,636.66666667 --> 00:08:41,586.66666667 For reference, see one Timothy 4 16. 79 00:08:41,586.66666667 --> 00:08:42,646.66666667 4. 80 00:08:43,96.66666667 --> 00:08:45,226.66666667 The church grows as it gathers for worship. 81 00:08:47,206.66666667 --> 00:08:52,666.66666667 The Lord Jesus summons his church to gather together regularly to worship God the Father, through the Son by the Holy Spirit. 82 00:08:53,431.66666667 --> 00:09:03,391.66666667 By these gatherings, he invites us to grow in our intimacy and knowledge of him as the scriptures are read and proclaimed and to see, feel, and taste His grace in baptism and the Lord's Supper. 83 00:09:03,781.66666667 --> 00:09:09,301.66666667 For reference, see Acts 2 42 as the one body of Christ in one temple of the Spirit. 84 00:09:09,781.66666667 --> 00:09:13,766.66666667 The church manifests its corporate identity primarily through its worship. 85 00:09:14,941.66666667 --> 00:09:19,321.66666667 In corporate worship, we are practicing church and showing what it means to be the church. 86 00:09:19,771.66666667 --> 00:09:22,321.66666667 This means that worship is essentially a corporate event. 87 00:09:22,861.66666667 --> 00:09:27,991.66666667 Corporate worship, therefore, is not primarily about cultivating a personal relationship with God. 88 00:09:28,501.66666667 --> 00:09:36,811.66666667 It is the royal priesthood and holy nation proclaiming the excellencies praises of him who called you outta darkness into his marvelous light. 89 00:09:37,441.66666667 --> 00:09:40,321.66666667 For reference, see one Peter 2, 5 9. 90 00:09:41,371.66666667 --> 00:09:46,411.66666667 The church distinguishes itself as God's people through its worship of the triune God in word and sacrament. 91 00:09:47,41.66666667 --> 00:09:51,61.66666667 These two basic components of worship are marks which define the church. 92 00:09:51,661.66666667 --> 00:10:01,951.66666667 Worship, therefore is not just one of many other church practices, but the church's foundational practice worship is the ultimate end to which all our mission endeavors are directed. 93 00:10:02,431.66666667 --> 00:10:07,261.66666667 The work of mission will end when Jesus returns, but worship will continue forever. 94 00:10:08,101.66666667 --> 00:10:18,511.66666667 So we call on all churches to give greater attention to worship as a foundational practice and to make worship a more corporate experience through their preaching prayers and songs. 95 00:10:19,111.66666667 --> 00:10:23,881.66666667 Properly ordered worship takes place under the authority and discipline of the local church. 96 00:10:24,361.66666667 --> 00:10:29,641.66666667 This is vital for the wellbeing of not only the individual believer, but of the church as a whole. 97 00:10:30,301.66666667 --> 00:10:38,611.66666667 So we call upon all Christians to submit to the authority of a local church just as individuals grow because local churches grow in health and maturity. 98 00:10:39,181.66666667 --> 00:10:42,811.66666667 So too local churches grow because individuals grow in knowledge. 99 00:10:43,156.66666667 --> 00:10:50,656.66666667 Intimacy and accountability for reference C one Corinthians five, one through six 11 and Hebrews 10 25. 100 00:10:51,406.66666667 --> 00:10:59,746.66666667 Christ as the head of the church has placed gifts of ministry and service within his church for the maturing of his people and for their upbuilding. 101 00:11:01,96.66666667 --> 00:11:05,896.66666667 A wide variety of spirit empowered gifts are distributed among the members of the church for the common good. 102 00:11:06,631.66666667 --> 00:11:16,591.66666667 The body of Christ grows as individual believers take responsibility to do the work of ministry and exercise their God-given gifts to serve their sisters and brothers with Christ-like love. 103 00:11:17,191.66666667 --> 00:11:26,491.66666667 This ministry empowers all the people of God to honor Jesus Christ in the workplace, the marketplace, the home, the school and the local community. 104 00:11:26,971.66666667 --> 00:11:33,661.66666667 Wherever they are called to serve, they fulfill their various callings, being fully assured that the Lord Jesus cares for his church. 105 00:11:34,261.66666667 --> 00:11:36,721.66666667 Constantly intercedes for its protection and wellbeing. 106 00:11:37,621.66666667 --> 00:11:45,181.66666667 For reference, see Romans 12, six to six, one Corinthians 12, four to 11, and Ephesians four to seven 16. 107 00:11:46,951.66666667 --> 00:11:47,341.66666667 Five. 108 00:11:47,881.66666667 --> 00:11:50,821.66666667 The church displays Christ in diverse yet faithful ways. 109 00:11:51,126.66666667 --> 00:11:58,591.66666667 The church has been called to express its common life by forming local countercultural communities in every society. 110 00:11:59,311.66666667 --> 00:12:00,931.66666667 Local churches vary in form. 111 00:12:01,336.66666667 --> 00:12:13,696.66666667 From small bands of believers meeting secret to house churches to much larger congregations that gather in public view, the emergence of digital spaces has provided Christian believers yet another means to come together. 112 00:12:14,56.66666667 --> 00:12:18,706.66666667 Prompting ongoing theological reflection on the nature and form of the local church. 113 00:12:19,456.66666667 --> 00:12:28,841.66666667 Local churches throughout history and across the world display spectacular diversity in traditions and forms which are shaped by the influence of their distinctive cultures. 114 00:12:29,761.66666667 --> 00:12:32,281.66666667 By the unique contextual challenges they face. 115 00:12:32,821.66666667 --> 00:12:47,851.66666667 Nevertheless, what such Christian communities have in common and what makes them authentic manifestations of the body of Christ is their worship of the triune God in response to their shared faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the faith that Christ calls them to share with the world. 116 00:12:49,741.66666667 --> 00:12:50,281.66666667 Six. 117 00:12:50,551.66666667 --> 00:12:53,101.66666667 The mission of the church is to make disciples of Christ. 118 00:12:55,21.66666667 --> 00:12:58,291.66666667 The church therefore, is called to declare and display Christ together. 119 00:12:58,966.66666667 --> 00:13:01,366.66666667 The Great Commission summons all believers everywhere. 120 00:13:01,636.66666667 --> 00:13:12,706.66666667 To participate in our lord's will to make disciples of all peoples by baptizing those who believe in the gospel message and teaching them true obedience to Jesus Christ in the power of His word and spirit. 121 00:13:13,126.66666667 --> 00:13:18,826.66666667 God sends us out into the world as a holy people to bear witness to the gospel before a watching world. 122 00:13:19,456.66666667 --> 00:13:25,96.66666667 We do this through our Christ filled presence, our Christ centered proclamation, and our Christ-like practice. 123 00:13:25,576.66666667 --> 00:13:27,406.66666667 See Matthew 28, 18 to 20. 124 00:13:28,666.66666667 --> 00:13:40,156.66666667 Jesus urged his disciples to see the powerful influence of their presence in the world by describing them as the salt of the earth that must maintain its integrity and so never lose its potency. 125 00:13:40,846.66666667 --> 00:13:48,811.66666667 The Apostle Paul explained how the gospel inspired Christian is the very aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 126 00:13:49,611.66666667 --> 00:13:54,196.66666667 This makes the presence of a Christian individual or community in any society. 127 00:13:54,571.66666667 --> 00:14:07,561.66666667 In families, neighborhoods, schools, the workplace or the public square, a cause for hope as God uses his redeemed people to signal his favor and make known his nearness to a world long alienated from him. 128 00:14:08,701.66666667 --> 00:14:14,701.66666667 For reference, see Matthew 1 23 and five 13 and two Corinthians two 15 through 16. 129 00:14:15,811.66666667 --> 00:14:19,261.66666667 The Bible says, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 130 00:14:20,41.66666667 --> 00:14:25,711.66666667 Therefore, the faithful proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ is essential to the witness of the church. 131 00:14:26,161.66666667 --> 00:14:34,201.66666667 And for this task, the Lord has poured out the Holy Spirit to empower the members of the church for evangelism by His word and through his spirit. 132 00:14:34,561.66666667 --> 00:14:40,801.66666667 The church displays God's saving power of the gospel and sends heralds to declare his gospel where Christ is not known. 133 00:14:41,791.66666667 --> 00:14:47,671.66666667 Through daily witness at home and at work, God continues to gather to himself people from every tribe and tongue. 134 00:14:48,166.66666667 --> 00:14:53,206.66666667 Saving them through the atoning blood of Jesus and joining them as members of the body of Christ. 135 00:14:53,476.66666667 --> 00:14:55,6.66666667 See Romans 10 17. 136 00:14:55,606.66666667 --> 00:14:58,306.66666667 The church also witnesses through its Christ-like practice. 137 00:14:58,816.66666667 --> 00:15:09,796.66666667 Just as the world hears Christ in gospel proclamation, it can also see Christ through our love for one another and our neighbors through how we care for his creation and do excellent work in our daily callings. 138 00:15:10,366.66666667 --> 00:15:14,536.66666667 Just as faith comes by hearing, faith is always accompanied by works. 139 00:15:14,956.66666667 --> 00:15:16,521.66666667 These works promote the common good. 140 00:15:17,56.66666667 --> 00:15:23,506.66666667 Prioritize, care for the poor and most vulnerable and advance the cause of justice following the example of our Lord. 141 00:15:24,226.66666667 --> 00:15:27,916.66666667 For reference, see Matthew five 16, John 1335. 142 00:15:28,666.66666667 --> 00:15:29,986.66666667 Ephesians two, eight through 10. 143 00:15:30,556.66666667 --> 00:15:35,446.66666667 Luke four 18 to 19 until that final day when Christ will come again. 144 00:15:35,866.66666667 --> 00:15:43,726.66666667 The church is the bride gathers in anticipation of her bridegroom's return when the saints of past generations will also be raised to life. 145 00:15:44,401.66666667 --> 00:16:01,981.66666667 We therefore wait longing for the consummation of the church's hope when God Himself will dwell with us, when we will know the Lord God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and offer him eternal worship, giving glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations for and ever. 146 00:16:02,701.66666667 --> 00:16:03,151.66666667 Amen.
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.6666666667Section three of the Soul Statement, the church, the people of God we love and build up. 2 00:00:07,546.6666666667 --> 00:00:08,266.6666666667 Introduction. 3 00:00:09,886.6666666667 --> 00:00:17,506.666666667 The 1974 Lausanne Covenant declared World evangelization requires the whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world. 4 00:00:18,436.666666667 --> 00:00:25,726.666666667 The 2024 fourth Lausanne Congress has as its theme, let the church declare and display Christ together. 5 00:00:26,656.666666667 --> 00:00:29,536.666666667 Therefore, how we imagine the church matters greatly. 6 00:00:30,376.666666667 --> 00:00:44,956.666666667 We recognize that the doctrine of the church has received little attention during these decades of extraordinary Christian expansion in the world, and there is little consensus about what the church is, its importance in the life of the Christian and its relevance to our world. 7 00:00:45,646.666666667 --> 00:00:51,346.666666667 The resulting confusion has opened the way for aberrant forms of church that distort the values of Christ and his gospel. 8 00:00:52,186.666666667 --> 00:00:55,636.666666667 It has also increased disillusionment among baptized believers. 9 00:00:56,146.666666667 --> 00:01:07,456.666666667 Leading them to distance themselves from the formal or institutional church Christians today, especially first generation believers, need a more comprehensive, biblical understanding of the church. 10 00:01:08,26.666666667 --> 00:01:15,376.666666667 One that can inspire in them deep appreciation and loyalty as they conduct themselves in God's household. 11 00:01:15,856.666666667 --> 00:01:25,636.666666667 The Church of the Living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth, as instructed by Paul in one Timothy 3 15, 1. 12 00:01:26,176.666666667 --> 00:01:28,276.666666667 The church is the communion of God's people. 13 00:01:30,376.666666667 --> 00:01:34,396.666666667 The ancient apostles creed professes our common faith in the communion of saints. 14 00:01:34,906.666666667 --> 00:01:42,556.66666667 Through the saving work of Jesus Christ, the triune God is gathering and uniting his people as one communion of saints by the Holy Spirit. 15 00:01:43,186.66666667 --> 00:01:47,716.66666667 This fellowship with God and with our brothers and sisters in the church is not our doing. 16 00:01:48,46.66666667 --> 00:01:51,226.66666667 It is God's gift On the day of Pentecost. 17 00:01:51,556.66666667 --> 00:01:57,616.66666667 God revealed this unity as Jesus poured out from the Father, the promised Holy Spirit upon his people. 18 00:01:58,66.66666667 --> 00:02:07,846.66666667 He sent them out to announce the good news and draw others into his new community, to be baptized as members of the body of Christ and to be in dwelt by the Spirit as the temple of God. 19 00:02:08,326.66666667 --> 00:02:18,16.66666667 Still today, the Lord Jesus continues to pour out the Holy Spirit upon the church, and the Holy Spirit continues to glorify the Lord Jesus in and through the church. 20 00:02:18,706.66666667 --> 00:02:23,686.66666667 For reference, see one Corinthians 1227 and second Corinthians six 16. 21 00:02:24,226.66666667 --> 00:02:32,536.66666667 All those who are united to Christ through personal repentance, faith, and the grace of God, have him as their head and together form his body. 22 00:02:33,316.66666667 --> 00:02:45,766.66666667 Therefore, though we are saved as individuals, we are not saved alone, but together with one another as disciples of Jesus, the Spirit incorporates us into Christ as members of his body through faith in his shed blood. 23 00:02:46,366.66666667 --> 00:02:48,916.66666667 Christian baptism is a sign and seal of God's grace. 24 00:02:49,306.66666667 --> 00:02:54,346.66666667 A public declaration of our new allegiance to Christ and our new identification with his church. 25 00:02:54,856.66666667 --> 00:03:07,186.66666667 For reference, C one Corinthians 12 13 2, the church is one holy, Catholic and apostolic with Christ people through the centuries and around the world. 26 00:03:07,516.66666667 --> 00:03:13,486.66666667 We confess in the words of the ine creed that the church is one holy Catholic and apostolic. 27 00:03:14,986.66666667 --> 00:03:21,376.66666667 In all the world and throughout history, the church is one people of God, one body of Christ, and one temple of the Holy Spirit. 28 00:03:21,796.66666667 --> 00:03:28,426.66666667 Through one baptism by the Spirit and the one bride of Christ across time, space, culture, and language. 29 00:03:28,696.66666667 --> 00:03:35,746.66666667 We are one church, united by Christ and his finished work in dwelt by the Holy Spirit and joined together in the love of God. 30 00:03:36,616.66666667 --> 00:03:40,666.66666667 For reference, see Ephesians four, four to six and two Corinthians 11, two. 31 00:03:42,16.66666667 --> 00:03:44,146.66666667 As the visible expression of Christ in the world. 32 00:03:44,416.66666667 --> 00:03:54,766.66666667 The church is called to Christ-like holiness, displayed by our determination to live as those who have been set apart for God and demonstrated by Christ-like character and behavior. 33 00:03:55,366.66666667 --> 00:04:08,356.66666667 For reference, C two Timothy 2 21 and one Peter one 14 through 16, the church of Jesus Christ is Catholic, universal, and all embracing in that all who belong to Christ irrespective of ethnicity. 34 00:04:08,716.66666667 --> 00:04:15,166.66666667 Gender region status or ability belong equally within his new community, the church. 35 00:04:15,676.66666667 --> 00:04:20,746.66666667 Therefore, there is a place for every member, because each part is needed to make up the wholeness of the church. 36 00:04:21,166.66666667 --> 00:04:33,226.66666667 There is a place for boys and girls, for women and men, for ministers and missionaries, for homemakers, educators, laborers, professionals, and marketplace leaders in the church Catholic. 37 00:04:33,226.66666667 --> 00:04:35,386.66666667 No human culture can claim preeminence. 38 00:04:35,866.66666667 --> 00:04:37,876.66666667 All human cultures must bow in submission. 39 00:04:38,251.66666667 --> 00:04:46,471.66666667 Before the God of all wisdom, and as they do so, they each make their contribution to our understanding of scripture and proclamation of the gospel. 40 00:04:47,191.66666667 --> 00:04:52,981.66666667 In this way, God unites us together to declare and display his glory in all our diversity. 41 00:04:53,941.66666667 --> 00:04:57,751.66666667 The local church is the only visible manifestation of the Catholic church. 42 00:04:58,201.66666667 --> 00:05:05,491.66666667 It reveals the glory of God's temple in which all those who belong to Jesus Christ, like living stones have their rightful place. 43 00:05:06,166.66666667 --> 00:05:10,186.66666667 For reference C one Corinthians three, 16 to 17 and 12. 44 00:05:10,186.66666667 --> 00:05:11,266.66666667 12 to 27. 45 00:05:11,986.66666667 --> 00:05:16,396.66666667 Ephesians two, 20 to 21 and one Peter two, four to 10. 46 00:05:17,386.66666667 --> 00:05:20,416.66666667 This one Holy Catholic church is also apostolic. 47 00:05:21,16.66666667 --> 00:05:23,896.66666667 It began its public witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. 48 00:05:23,896.66666667 --> 00:05:33,16.66666667 With the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost and ever since has proclaimed the same message to all the world throughout history and in every place. 49 00:05:33,286.66666667 --> 00:05:34,786.66666667 The church is apostolic. 50 00:05:35,176.66666667 --> 00:05:49,36.66666667 Standing in continuity with Christ's 12 apostles by holding fast to their teaching Once for all entrusted to God's people and handed down from generation to generation through the gift of this living and active word. 51 00:05:49,486.66666667 --> 00:05:55,696.66666667 God builds his church by giving us faith and new life, and so forms his church into the likeness of Christ. 52 00:05:56,686.66666667 --> 00:06:01,781.66666667 For reference, see Romans 10 17, 1 Peter 1 23 and Jude three. 53 00:06:03,611.66666667 --> 00:06:03,961.66666667 Three. 54 00:06:04,681.66666667 --> 00:06:13,591.66666667 The Pilgrim Church faces challenges from without and threats within the church has always faced crises, as our Lord said. 55 00:06:13,921.66666667 --> 00:06:17,521.66666667 In this world, there will be many trials as evidenced throughout history. 56 00:06:17,971.66666667 --> 00:06:26,881.66666667 God's faithful saints have faced and continue to face persecution and severe opposition, often risking their lives for the sake of the Lord they love. 57 00:06:27,631.66666667 --> 00:06:33,541.66666667 The church is built on the blood of the martyrs even so the church's struggle is not against flesh and blood. 58 00:06:33,961.66666667 --> 00:06:38,911.66666667 But against the powers of darkness, the evil one conspires against the Church of Christ. 59 00:06:38,911.66666667 --> 00:06:45,151.66666667 But as Jesus has promised, he continues to build his church and even the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it. 60 00:06:45,871.66666667 --> 00:06:48,511.66666667 For reference, see John 1633. 61 00:06:49,81.66666667 --> 00:06:50,161.66666667 Ephesians six 12. 62 00:06:50,671.66666667 --> 00:06:53,431.66666667 Matthew 1618, revelation one 18. 63 00:06:54,91.66666667 --> 00:07:03,301.66666667 The church carries the treasure of the gospel in earth and vessels in vulnerability and humility, not looking to point to itself, but to the all surpassing power of God. 64 00:07:03,931.66666667 --> 00:07:12,811.66666667 Therefore, it does not resist its opponents according to the powers or armaments of this world, but perseveres through adversity and suffering by the power of God. 65 00:07:13,231.66666667 --> 00:07:18,421.66666667 Fully armed with spiritual weapons of righteousness, empires rise and fall. 66 00:07:18,811.66666667 --> 00:07:28,21.66666667 But the church sustained by its Lord is called to remain steadfast and conduct itself as the household of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. 67 00:07:29,491.66666667 --> 00:07:38,71.66666667 For reference, see Second Corinthians four, seven, John 1836, second Corinthians 6, 7, 1 Timothy three 14 to 16. 68 00:07:39,391.66666667 --> 00:07:42,241.66666667 Yet we are grieved that the church has not always stayed true to this. 69 00:07:42,241.66666667 --> 00:07:42,601.66666667 Calling. 70 00:07:43,111.66666667 --> 00:07:49,801.66666667 Scripture is clear that the greater risk to the church's vitality and the integrity of its message comes from within. 71 00:07:50,431.66666667 --> 00:07:56,641.66666667 It has all too often succumbeded to the allure of political power, of cultural approval, and of the world's pleasures. 72 00:07:57,226.66666667 --> 00:08:00,466.66666667 Abandoning its mandate to be God's prophetic witness in the world. 73 00:08:01,186.66666667 --> 00:08:08,956.66666667 In such instances, the church becomes an instrument of oppression, complicit in acts of injustice, and loses its credibility in the world. 74 00:08:09,646.66666667 --> 00:08:19,546.66666667 These compromises are either consequences of or causes for the church moving away from biblical authority by distorting the scriptures to satisfy mere worldly desires. 75 00:08:20,206.66666667 --> 00:08:24,256.66666667 The twin pillars of faithful belief and practice orthodoxy and orthopraxy. 76 00:08:24,586.66666667 --> 00:08:27,766.66666667 Erode as the church takes its eyes away from Christ and the cross. 77 00:08:28,456.66666667 --> 00:08:37,66.66666667 We lament these failures and sins of our past and repent from ways in which we continue to ignore the conviction of the spirit and the instructions of our Lord. 78 00:08:37,636.66666667 --> 00:08:41,586.66666667 For reference, see one Timothy 4 16. 79 00:08:41,586.66666667 --> 00:08:42,646.66666667 4. 80 00:08:43,96.66666667 --> 00:08:45,226.66666667 The church grows as it gathers for worship. 81 00:08:47,206.66666667 --> 00:08:52,666.66666667 The Lord Jesus summons his church to gather together regularly to worship God the Father, through the Son by the Holy Spirit. 82 00:08:53,431.66666667 --> 00:09:03,391.66666667 By these gatherings, he invites us to grow in our intimacy and knowledge of him as the scriptures are read and proclaimed and to see, feel, and taste His grace in baptism and the Lord's Supper. 83 00:09:03,781.66666667 --> 00:09:09,301.66666667 For reference, see Acts 2 42 as the one body of Christ in one temple of the Spirit. 84 00:09:09,781.66666667 --> 00:09:13,766.66666667 The church manifests its corporate identity primarily through its worship. 85 00:09:14,941.66666667 --> 00:09:19,321.66666667 In corporate worship, we are practicing church and showing what it means to be the church. 86 00:09:19,771.66666667 --> 00:09:22,321.66666667 This means that worship is essentially a corporate event. 87 00:09:22,861.66666667 --> 00:09:27,991.66666667 Corporate worship, therefore, is not primarily about cultivating a personal relationship with God. 88 00:09:28,501.66666667 --> 00:09:36,811.66666667 It is the royal priesthood and holy nation proclaiming the excellencies praises of him who called you outta darkness into his marvelous light. 89 00:09:37,441.66666667 --> 00:09:40,321.66666667 For reference, see one Peter 2, 5 9. 90 00:09:41,371.66666667 --> 00:09:46,411.66666667 The church distinguishes itself as God's people through its worship of the triune God in word and sacrament. 91 00:09:47,41.66666667 --> 00:09:51,61.66666667 These two basic components of worship are marks which define the church. 92 00:09:51,661.66666667 --> 00:10:01,951.66666667 Worship, therefore is not just one of many other church practices, but the church's foundational practice worship is the ultimate end to which all our mission endeavors are directed. 93 00:10:02,431.66666667 --> 00:10:07,261.66666667 The work of mission will end when Jesus returns, but worship will continue forever. 94 00:10:08,101.66666667 --> 00:10:18,511.66666667 So we call on all churches to give greater attention to worship as a foundational practice and to make worship a more corporate experience through their preaching prayers and songs. 95 00:10:19,111.66666667 --> 00:10:23,881.66666667 Properly ordered worship takes place under the authority and discipline of the local church. 96 00:10:24,361.66666667 --> 00:10:29,641.66666667 This is vital for the wellbeing of not only the individual believer, but of the church as a whole. 97 00:10:30,301.66666667 --> 00:10:38,611.66666667 So we call upon all Christians to submit to the authority of a local church just as individuals grow because local churches grow in health and maturity. 98 00:10:39,181.66666667 --> 00:10:42,811.66666667 So too local churches grow because individuals grow in knowledge. 99 00:10:43,156.66666667 --> 00:10:50,656.66666667 Intimacy and accountability for reference C one Corinthians five, one through six 11 and Hebrews 10 25. 100 00:10:51,406.66666667 --> 00:10:59,746.66666667 Christ as the head of the church has placed gifts of ministry and service within his church for the maturing of his people and for their upbuilding. 101 00:11:01,96.66666667 --> 00:11:05,896.66666667 A wide variety of spirit empowered gifts are distributed among the members of the church for the common good. 102 00:11:06,631.66666667 --> 00:11:16,591.66666667 The body of Christ grows as individual believers take responsibility to do the work of ministry and exercise their God-given gifts to serve their sisters and brothers with Christ-like love. 103 00:11:17,191.66666667 --> 00:11:26,491.66666667 This ministry empowers all the people of God to honor Jesus Christ in the workplace, the marketplace, the home, the school and the local community. 104 00:11:26,971.66666667 --> 00:11:33,661.66666667 Wherever they are called to serve, they fulfill their various callings, being fully assured that the Lord Jesus cares for his church. 105 00:11:34,261.66666667 --> 00:11:36,721.66666667 Constantly intercedes for its protection and wellbeing. 106 00:11:37,621.66666667 --> 00:11:45,181.66666667 For reference, see Romans 12, six to six, one Corinthians 12, four to 11, and Ephesians four to seven 16. 107 00:11:46,951.66666667 --> 00:11:47,341.66666667 Five. 108 00:11:47,881.66666667 --> 00:11:50,821.66666667 The church displays Christ in diverse yet faithful ways. 109 00:11:51,126.66666667 --> 00:11:58,591.66666667 The church has been called to express its common life by forming local countercultural communities in every society. 110 00:11:59,311.66666667 --> 00:12:00,931.66666667 Local churches vary in form. 111 00:12:01,336.66666667 --> 00:12:13,696.66666667 From small bands of believers meeting secret to house churches to much larger congregations that gather in public view, the emergence of digital spaces has provided Christian believers yet another means to come together. 112 00:12:14,56.66666667 --> 00:12:18,706.66666667 Prompting ongoing theological reflection on the nature and form of the local church. 113 00:12:19,456.66666667 --> 00:12:28,841.66666667 Local churches throughout history and across the world display spectacular diversity in traditions and forms which are shaped by the influence of their distinctive cultures. 114 00:12:29,761.66666667 --> 00:12:32,281.66666667 By the unique contextual challenges they face. 115 00:12:32,821.66666667 --> 00:12:47,851.66666667 Nevertheless, what such Christian communities have in common and what makes them authentic manifestations of the body of Christ is their worship of the triune God in response to their shared faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the faith that Christ calls them to share with the world. 116 00:12:49,741.66666667 --> 00:12:50,281.66666667 Six. 117 00:12:50,551.66666667 --> 00:12:53,101.66666667 The mission of the church is to make disciples of Christ. 118 00:12:55,21.66666667 --> 00:12:58,291.66666667 The church therefore, is called to declare and display Christ together. 119 00:12:58,966.66666667 --> 00:13:01,366.66666667 The Great Commission summons all believers everywhere. 120 00:13:01,636.66666667 --> 00:13:12,706.66666667 To participate in our lord's will to make disciples of all peoples by baptizing those who believe in the gospel message and teaching them true obedience to Jesus Christ in the power of His word and spirit. 121 00:13:13,126.66666667 --> 00:13:18,826.66666667 God sends us out into the world as a holy people to bear witness to the gospel before a watching world. 122 00:13:19,456.66666667 --> 00:13:25,96.66666667 We do this through our Christ filled presence, our Christ centered proclamation, and our Christ-like practice. 123 00:13:25,576.66666667 --> 00:13:27,406.66666667 See Matthew 28, 18 to 20. 124 00:13:28,666.66666667 --> 00:13:40,156.66666667 Jesus urged his disciples to see the powerful influence of their presence in the world by describing them as the salt of the earth that must maintain its integrity and so never lose its potency. 125 00:13:40,846.66666667 --> 00:13:48,811.66666667 The Apostle Paul explained how the gospel inspired Christian is the very aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 126 00:13:49,611.66666667 --> 00:13:54,196.66666667 This makes the presence of a Christian individual or community in any society. 127 00:13:54,571.66666667 --> 00:14:07,561.66666667 In families, neighborhoods, schools, the workplace or the public square, a cause for hope as God uses his redeemed people to signal his favor and make known his nearness to a world long alienated from him. 128 00:14:08,701.66666667 --> 00:14:14,701.66666667 For reference, see Matthew 1 23 and five 13 and two Corinthians two 15 through 16. 129 00:14:15,811.66666667 --> 00:14:19,261.66666667 The Bible says, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 130 00:14:20,41.66666667 --> 00:14:25,711.66666667 Therefore, the faithful proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ is essential to the witness of the church. 131 00:14:26,161.66666667 --> 00:14:34,201.66666667 And for this task, the Lord has poured out the Holy Spirit to empower the members of the church for evangelism by His word and through his spirit. 132 00:14:34,561.66666667 --> 00:14:40,801.66666667 The church displays God's saving power of the gospel and sends heralds to declare his gospel where Christ is not known. 133 00:14:41,791.66666667 --> 00:14:47,671.66666667 Through daily witness at home and at work, God continues to gather to himself people from every tribe and tongue. 134 00:14:48,166.66666667 --> 00:14:53,206.66666667 Saving them through the atoning blood of Jesus and joining them as members of the body of Christ. 135 00:14:53,476.66666667 --> 00:14:55,6.66666667 See Romans 10 17. 136 00:14:55,606.66666667 --> 00:14:58,306.66666667 The church also witnesses through its Christ-like practice. 137 00:14:58,816.66666667 --> 00:15:09,796.66666667 Just as the world hears Christ in gospel proclamation, it can also see Christ through our love for one another and our neighbors through how we care for his creation and do excellent work in our daily callings. 138 00:15:10,366.66666667 --> 00:15:14,536.66666667 Just as faith comes by hearing, faith is always accompanied by works. 139 00:15:14,956.66666667 --> 00:15:16,521.66666667 These works promote the common good. 140 00:15:17,56.66666667 --> 00:15:23,506.66666667 Prioritize, care for the poor and most vulnerable and advance the cause of justice following the example of our Lord. 141 00:15:24,226.66666667 --> 00:15:27,916.66666667 For reference, see Matthew five 16, John 1335. 142 00:15:28,666.66666667 --> 00:15:29,986.66666667 Ephesians two, eight through 10. 143 00:15:30,556.66666667 --> 00:15:35,446.66666667 Luke four 18 to 19 until that final day when Christ will come again. 144 00:15:35,866.66666667 --> 00:15:43,726.66666667 The church is the bride gathers in anticipation of her bridegroom's return when the saints of past generations will also be raised to life. 145 00:15:44,401.66666667 --> 00:16:01,981.66666667 We therefore wait longing for the consummation of the church's hope when God Himself will dwell with us, when we will know the Lord God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and offer him eternal worship, giving glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations for and ever. 146 00:16:02,701.66666667 --> 00:16:03,151.66666667 Amen.
(16:04):
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