New Testament Roots
God sees all churches as equal, and our focus should be on honoring the presence of Jesus and striving for spiritual attainment.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that in God's eyes, all churches, regardless of size, are equally significant as they gather in the name of Jesus to worship. He reflects on the importance of spiritual attainment, urging believers to evaluate their spiritual fervor compared to that of the early church. Tozer reminds us that true honor of Christ's presence connects us to the roots of the New Testament and the apostles, encouraging a deeper commitment to our faith. He challenges congregations to aspire for a higher spiritual temperature and to recognize their collective identity in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a revival of the passion and dedication seen in the early believers.
Text
It is really a blessed thing in our Christian fellowship and in our congregations that God never asks whether it is a big church or a little church! A young pastor, when introduced to a well-known church leader, said, "You do not know me. I am the pastor of a little rural church." I think it was a wise reply that came from the churchman: "Young man, there are no little churches; all churches are the same size in God's sight!" But, whether large or small, it must be an assembly of believers brought together through the Name of Jesus, to worship in God's Presence; and with the right to receive all that God bestows.
With these roots, we should ask ourselves if we are truly interested in spiritual attainment as were the New Testament believers.
We must confess that the spiritual temperature among us may often be lower than in the early church. But we hold to the message that those who truly honor the Presence of the Savior are included in this relationship that goes back to the New Testament and to the apostles!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Church Size in God's Sight
- God sees all churches as equal
- The focus should be on the presence of Jesus
Key Quotes
“There are no little churches; all churches are the same size in God's sight!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive to honor the presence of the Savior in our lives and in our churches.
- We should focus on spiritual attainment and not just on church size or numbers.
- We should seek to emulate the relationship with the Savior and the apostles that is described in the New Testament.