The Bride
Maybe you’ve heard over the years, maybe not, but the church is not simply a building. The Bible uses many analogous terms to describe the church: the people of God, the body of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit. The church is, well, for lack of a better term, people. Biblically, and most gloriously speaking, the church is the bride of Christ. This image describes the depth of God’s love for us as well as His loyal commitment to a relationship with us. It also speaks to our responsibilities as well. For the month of August we will take a closer look at getting to know the church, the bride of Christ.
The Commitment To Unity In Diversity
Message Notes
In this message, we will study the prayer of Christ for His bride—his request that we might remain as one (John 17:20-23). The unity of believers with each other and with God will testify to the world the fact that the Father has sent the Son. Two other passages come from Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:1-16 and his analogy in 1 Corinthians 12. When the bride unites under the ultimate authority of Christ, her head, there is a growing maturity in the Christian experience. See also; Philippians 2:1-8
Music Links
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Rise and Sing - Fee
No One Higher - Aaron Shust
Here I Am to Worship - Michael W. Smith
God You Are My God - Meredith Andrews
Take My Life - Chris Tomlin
The Bride's Guide for Healthy Living
Message Notes
In this message we will examine how the church is governed. We will look at the value of order and oversight, as well as the way gifts are administered. We also will introduce the concept of a priesthood of believers. Key texts are: Titus 1:5-16; Acts 4:32; Acts 6 and 15:22; 1 Corinthians 12 and 14:40; Romans 5:1-5; Hebrews 4:14-16
Music Links
Clicking on the song title will take you to that song on iTunes.
Open Up the Heavens - Vertical Church Band
I'm Going Free "Jailbreak" - Vertical Church Band
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - Chris Tomlin
Open the Eyes Of My Heart - Michael W. Smith
The Symbols of Our Union With the Bride
Message Notes
In this message, we will examine the sacred ceremonies of the initiation of baptism and the continuation of the Lord’s supper. Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:12; 18:8 and 19:1-7; Titus 3:3-5 and Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
Music Links
Clicking on the song title will take you to that song on iTunes.
Build Your Kingdom Here - Rend Collective
Mighty to Save - Hillsong UNITED
No One Higher - Aaron Shust
Stronger - Hillsong Live
Jesus Only Jesus - Passion
What's a Girl To Do?
Message Notes
In this message, we unfold the role the church has at work in the world. What activity do we engage in? What are the distinguishing marks of the church? We make disciples, Matthew 28:18ff; We get plenty of exercise, Ephesians 4:12; We worship the Lord, 1 Corinthians 16:2 and Hebrews 10:25; We take time to walk among the people, Matthew 20:28, Philippians 2:7, Luke 19:1-10, John 13:12-17
Music Links
Clicking on the song title will take you to that song on iTunes.
Light Shine In - Vertical Church Band
God and King - Gateway Worship
The Greatness of Our God - Vertical Church Band
Our God - Chris Tomlin
My Jesus I Love Thee - Selah
What Kind of Girl Is She?
Message Notes
In this message we will examine “who” comprises the bride of Christ. Like the God-head, she is Trinitarian in make-up. The People of God, The Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. She is both local and universal—Universal in nature, local in expression. The quality and character of the church remains consistent in either of these aspects. Key texts are Matthew 16:18; Acts 4:32; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:21-22; 3:21; 5:25-32; 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17; 12:27; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Romans 9:24-26