Ministry of the Church
A.W. Tozer's sermon emphasizes the individual nature of salvation and the essential role of the church in nurturing spiritual growth.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the essence of Christianity begins with an individual's personal encounter with God, rather than collective church efforts. He asserts that while the local church provides an ideal environment for spiritual growth and the exercise of God-given gifts, the true meaning of 'church' has been distorted over time. Tozer reminds us that the Church is fundamentally the Body of Christ, the Bride of the Lamb, and the dwelling place of God through the Spirit. He stresses the significance of the Church, which was purchased by Christ's blood, as the most important entity on earth.
Text
Not all of the pooled efforts of any church can make a Christian out of a lost man! The Christian life begins with the individual; a soul has a saving encounter with God and the new life is born. All else being equal, every individual. Christian will find in the communion of a local church the most perfect atmosphere for the fullest development of his spiritual life. There he will also find the best arena for the largest exercise of those gifts and powers with which God may have endowed him. Unfortunately, the word "church" has taken on meanings which it did not originally have.
The meaning of the word for the true Christian was fixed by our Lord and His apostles, and no man and no angel has authority to change it!
The universal Church is the Body of Christ, the Bride of the Lamb, the habitation of God through the Spirit, the pillar and the ground of the Truth. Without doubt, the most important body on earth is the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The individual nature of salvation - The role of personal encounter with God - The beginning of the Christian life
- II points: - The importance of local church community - Development of spiritual life in communion - Exercise of spiritual gifts within the church
- III points: - The true meaning of 'church' - Biblical definitions established by Christ and apostles - Authority over the definition of the church
- IV points: - The Church as the Body of Christ - The Church as the Bride of the Lamb - The Church as the habitation of God
- V points: - The significance of the Church's purchase by Christ - The Church as the pillar and ground of truth - The Church's role in the world
Key Quotes
“Not all of the pooled efforts of any church can make a Christian out of a lost man!” — A.W. Tozer
“The universal Church is the Body of Christ, the Bride of the Lamb, the habitation of God through the Spirit.” — A.W. Tozer
“Without doubt, the most important body on earth is the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Engage actively in your local church to foster your spiritual growth.
- Recognize the church's role as a community for exercising your spiritual gifts.
- Understand the biblical definition of the church to appreciate its significance in your faith.