Upon This Rock
About This Series:
In two thousand years of Church History, even with numerous reformations and revivals, local churches have never been so confused about their purpose and identity as they are today. In our generation, thousands of Christians have left church out of disenchantment. Coffee shop Christianity has become the new norm. So what is the purpose of the local church really? Is it still vital for a Christian’s spiritual growth? In this timely study of the New Testament blueprints for local churches, Stephen help us rediscover why, far from being outdated, our need for God’s purposed assembly is as great as it ever has been.
Sermons In This Series
Who We Are
As we look around our nation today, it's evident that the culture is shifting ever farther from the foundation of God's Word. But instead of hiding away in fear or stewing in anger about our dark world, we have a great opportunity to be a lighthouse of Truth. To stand firm, however, we first need to clearly define who we are as Christians--and as the true Church. In this teaching, Pastor Davey establishes our underpinning identity: We are followers of an unrivaled Master and messengers of an unchanging manifesto.
Why We Belong
Every believer is part of the universal church, united in faith with our brothers and sisters around the globe. And, although it may be against our radical individualistic culture, we are also called to belong to a local church family. In this lesson, Pastor Davey elaborates upon five reasons why it's vital that we commit to a local body, emphasizing our need to engage with one another and demonstrate our faith to those watching.
Why We Exist
Why are we here? That's a huge philosophical question for the human race. But for Christians, our purpose on earth is made very clear in the God's Word. This lesson from Pastor Davey exhorts us to live with Biblical purpose--right where the Lord has placed us. Whether you are a doctor, homemaker, student, or mechanic, every believer is to be a witness, a light in the dark world, exposing evil and expanding the glory the God.
How We Behave
If you asked people around you to describe the Christian Church, what would they say? Sadly, the perception held by unbelievers in our culture is not always a positive one. Our behavior as Christ-followers dictates how others see us
Who Has the Final Word
For over 2000 years, being part of the Church has been a true act of bravery--and it still is today. Christian living is not for fence-sitters or culture-lovers. It requires complete submission to the authority of Scripture, the pursuit of holiness in all aspects of life, and the avoidance of sinful habits and entanglements. As a church family, we must walk together in the path of Light, keeping each other accountable to and encouraged by God's Word--the final authority.
What Makes Us Different
Christians should stand out in the world. Our behavior will seem strange against the backdrop of what is culturally popular or politically correct. In this teaching, Pastor Davey describes from Scripture three practices of personal conduct for the Believer that distinguish us from the dark world in which we live: (1) the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, worship and service, (2) sexual purity and God-ordained marriage, and (3) immersion baptism and communion.
Why We Matter to Each Other
Believers are called to be members of a local church body, committed to participate and engage in the life of the church. We gather together because we share faith in Christ. And, as family, we are meant to encourage each other to stand firm in that faith throughout life's challenges and trials. In this lesson, Pastor Davey expounds upon the promise we must make as members of a local body of Christ to pray for, care for, and serve one another spiritually and physically.
How We Get Along
One of the most beautiful things about the Christian Church is the fact that, no matter our backgrounds, histories, or cultures, we have become one body--we are brothers and sisters, new creations, bound together in unity through the Holy Spirit. So, it's imperative that we protect and promote this unity in every local body. Here, Pastor Davey opens up Paul's letter to the Ephesians to share the ingredients (attitudes and behaviors) it takes to maintain genuine unity.
How We Discipline the Unrepentant
Did you know that the words discipling and discipline come from the same Greek root word? They are similar actions--challenging, correcting, and helping to mature. But discipling is for a willing individual and discipline for an unwilling one! Being part of a church body means that we are accountable to each other, counseling, encouraging, and correcting one another for the sake of the Gospel...even when it requires confrontation.
What We Give Away
Every church body--and believer--should not be consumed by perfection, but focused on progressing--pursuing a holy pattern for living that comes from God's Word. This is especially vital in today's dark culture. In this teaching, Stephen explains the importance of demonstrating Biblical faithfulness through the financial support of your local church. After all, God owns it all, and we are merely stewards. Let's use His resources wisely and bring Him glory.