The Church's Mission
The Church's Mission2
The Essential Service of the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 4:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the essential service of the church as the body of Christ, which is called to fulfill God's divine purpose of filling all things with His presence. He illustrates this through the story of Esther, highlighting that the church is not merely for its own benefit but is a ministering instrument for the good of others. The sermon stresses that every individual in the church has a responsibility to contribute to the body, using the gifts given by Christ to build up the church and reach the fullness of Christ. Sparks warns against a self-centered approach and encourages believers to actively engage in their calling as ministers of Christ. Ultimately, the church's mission is to be a channel of God's grace and life to the world.
The Message of Acts
By G. Campbell Morgan0ACT 1:1G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the enduring values found in the Book of Acts, focusing on the Church's origin, nature, and function as established by Christ. He highlights the perils of prejudice, passion, and pride that threaten the Church's mission, while urging that the Church's master passion should be the glory of God. Morgan asserts that the Church is empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue Christ's work, revealing the importance of loyalty to the Lord and the necessity of yielding to the Spirit. He concludes that the Church's activities should be motivated by the glory of God and conducted through the work of the Son, ultimately appealing to the world through a Spirit-filled life. The message of Acts serves as a vital link between the Gospels and the epistles, illustrating the ongoing work of Christ through His Church.