As we wrapped up our "Church Defined" series, we were challenged on the simple truth of serving the church. God has uniquely gifted each and every one of us! No matter what season of life we find ourselves in - there is something we can all do to serve through the local church. From our study, we were challenged to discover these gifts God has given, and to seek out how we can put them to use here and now. All around, we are reminded that we must have a passion for the church and make it a priority. But we also must play our part in helping to build it, and as a result see God glorified through our service to Him.

City Baptist Church - Weekly Sermons

Serve The Church

Our message last week was a challenge in our passion for the local church. We're reminded that we should make the church an overarching priority in our own lives. As the body, there is a desperate need for us to have connection and community with other believers and gather together to worship. With other points brought to light in regards to this, part 3 of “Church Defined” moves us to search our hearts - to determine whether we are truly seeking first “the kingdom of God.” God loves the church, and we must have a passion for it.

Our Passion For The Church

Part 2 of Church Defined focused in on the purpose of the church. Local called-out assemblies are to uphold and proclaim the truth of God's Word. As the body, we are to live out the truth, which will result in God's glory being revealed through our lives.

The Purpose Of The Church

Our message this week begins a brand new collection of sermons that will study God's purpose and plan for the local church. Jesus is and must be the head of His church. He is the One Who defines it, and will continue to build it through every season. He deeply loves His church, as it is His vehicle today to make disciples and share the Gospel. We are challenged to love the church also, and to ensure we are striving to build it with the right motives and heart.

Love What God Loves

Our next instalment in "I AM" covers Jesus' statement "I AM the True Vine." From our study we are challenged to understand that in order to truly know Jesus, we must apply His truth into our lives. God's commitment to our fruit-bearing, is greater then your commitment to comfort. Are we fruit-bearing Christians, and is there evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives? Scripture: John 15

The True Vine

The next "I AM" in our study declares Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. In John 11, we see the miraculous story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. From our message, we are reminded that there is no situation in which God's glory cannot be revealed. We are also challenged to not let our emotions shape what is true, but rather the truth of God's Word shape our emotions. Our hope is placed in the Person of Jesus, Who holds the power of resurrection and offers eternal life. Scripture: John 11

The Resurrection and the Life

The next "I AM" of Jesus is "The Good Shepherd". From John 10, we reveal some very encouraging truths - the Good Shepherd indeed knows His sheep and has given His life for them. We are the sheep and He is the Shepherd. This can fill us with hope, peace, and confidence for the journey ahead as we follow our Shepherd's leading in every season of life. We are also reminded that Jesus died not only for our sins, but to bring ultimate glory to the Father. Scripture: John 10:11

The Good Shepherd

The next declarative statement given by Jesus is "I AM the Door". He is the Door to eternal security and a truly abundant life here and now. From John 10, we continue our study and find encouragement in the truth that Jesus came to give us life and freedom found only in Him. Scripture: John 10

The Door

For our second instalment in "I AM", we see Jesus declare that He is the Light of the world. From this declarative statement, we are encouraged and challenged. We too must bear this light and let it shine to others. We are in the world, but not of it! Jesus is the Light in the darkness and the only hope for this present world! Scripture: John 9:4-5

The Light Of The World

We had such a special time in the Word last Sunday beginning a brand new collection of sermons in the Gospel of John. In our new series titled “I AM”, we will be seeing how these descriptive declarations made by Jesus reveal His character, and how He and the Father are truly one! Our first “I AM” in John 6:35 is the Bread of Life, and this declares His sufficiency and ultimate satisfaction for the human soul. Scripture: John 6:35

The Bread Of Life

As we continue on in chapter 3 of Revelation, we now see the church of Laodicea. This church was called "lukewarm" and in desperate need of revival and repentance. They had a deep rooted problem, and were in need of a loving correction. The challenge and application for us today is once again, an examination of our own heart. The Holy Spirit is knocking at the door of our own hearts as we must forsake a "lukewarm" approach to our relationship with Jesus. There is an eternal invitation for repentance, and to allow the fire in our hearts burn again in service to Him. Scripture: Revelation 3:4-22

The Lukewarm Church

In our study through Revelation we now come to the church of Philadelphia, which was a faithful church. This church had held fast to sound doctrine and was faithful to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples. We see that Jesus took notice of this, gave them hope and reminded them of His promise to come again. It is so encouraging to study this church as they are an amazing example of the church we are called to be today. Looking to God's Word can also provide us hope and peace, as we continue on in our mission to help others find and follow Jesus. Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

The Faithful Church

The next chapter of our study through Revelation brings us to the church of Sardis. This church was spiritually "dead" and a warning was given to them in this regard. No church is exempt from entering this state - however, there is always hope for spiritual renewal! The challenge from Sardis is this - are you spiritually dead? Are you in need of a renewal in your heart? We must ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts, and through His power reveal that underneath our outward expression is a genuine faith. God is moving here and now, and we as His people have an opportunity to join in what He is doing! He is calling us to repentance! Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

The Dead Church

Last Sunday we continued our study in Revelation by looking at the church of Thyatira - this was a church deeply rooted in false teaching and many other ungodly practices. From studying this church, we again receive a strong reminder on our mission to uphold sound doctrine, and that there is no place for ungodliness in the church. But this same principle can and must be applied to our own lives! We are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and many times we can tolerate practices and belief systems that have no place in the life of a believer. We must remember that God calls us to repentance, and there is always unending grace and mercy offered to those who come in need.

Trouble Within

Welcome to the weekly podcast of City Baptist Church in Vancouver, led by Pastor Paul Conner. To learn more, visit our website at https://citybaptist.ca.