{"id":1149,"date":"2019-08-11T15:59:24","date_gmt":"2019-08-11T22:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1149"},"modified":"2019-08-12T07:09:11","modified_gmt":"2019-08-12T14:09:11","slug":"what-is-the-purpose-of-the-church","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/11\/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-church\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Purpose of the Church?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"color:black;font: 10pt arial;\"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeAsian>   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\tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-1149-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Pentecost-9-08-11-19.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Pentecost-9-08-11-19.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Pentecost-9-08-11-19.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">August 11, 2019<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Colossians 1:24-29<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What is the Purpose of the Church?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ&#8217;s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness\u2014the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">For as long as I can remember there has been a \u201cstandard\u201d questionnaire that many congregations use when they want to conduct a door-to-door survey of the community around their church.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The survey begins with asking how long the person has lived in that community.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It then transitions into whether or not the person has a church \u201chome\u201d in the community and if so, how many times do they attend per month.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Normally the questionnaire then concludes by asking questions such as:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The thing I look for most in a church is\u2026.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I think the program our community needs the most is\u2026.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If your church really wants to serve the people in this community, you will have to\u2026.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As you can imagine the answers to those closing questions can be all over the map!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes a person will say that the church needs to be intimately involved in social issues such as helping the homeless and feeding the hungry.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes a person will say that what they look for in a church is guidance on what they need to do to become a better person, a better spouse, a better friend etc.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">So let me ask you:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why does our church exist?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What is our \u201cpurpose\u201d as a congregation?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The way in which you and I answer those questions\u2014 both on a personal level as well as on a congregational level\u2014 will have a huge impact on the way that we view our congregation as well as the decisions that we make.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On a personal level the way in which we answer those questions will be seen in our attendance in worship services and Bible classes.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On a congregational level the way in which we answer those questions will be seen and felt by the entire congregation when it comes to things like our offerings, our budget and our willingness to serve in various ways here in our church.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">With that in mind let\u2019s use our sermon text for today to address the question:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b><i>What is the Purpose of the Church?<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Using these inspired words of the apostle Paul I am going to suggest to you, my friends, that there are two main points to remember when it comes to the purpose of the church.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, the purpose of the church is to <i>\u201cpresent the word of God in its fullness.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Second, the purpose of the church is to <i>\u201cpresent everyone perfect in Christ.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Once again I would like to give you just a little bit of insight into our text by giving you a little bit of background concerning Paul\u2019s letter to the Colossian Christians.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There were false teachers who were infecting this congregation with what has become known as the \u201cColossian Heresy.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Colossian Heresy denied that a simple humble faith in Jesus and His work (Pointing to the cross) is all that is necessary for eternal salvation.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Colossian Heresy emphasized the need to follow at least some of the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament as well as the traditions of men.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The proponents of this heresy advocated things such as the worship of angels and they claimed to have a knowledge, wisdom and insight that went beyond what the Colossians had learned from the apostle Paul.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">In response to this heresy Paul\u2019s letter to the Christians in Colosse proclaims the sufficiency of faith in Christ and the work He accomplished for us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And, as we see here in our text for today, Paul\u2019s letter to the Colossians reveals the \u201cpurpose\u201d of Paul\u2019s ministry\u2014 a ministry which I believe reveals to us the \u201cpurpose\u201d of the church right down to this very day.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Let\u2019s begin by looking at verse 25.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Speaking of the church Paul writes, <i>\u201cI have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I have become increasingly dismayed and frustrated by churches and by Christians who \u201cpick and choose\u201d which parts of the Bible they are willing to believe and accept and which parts of the Bible they simply ignore or outright deny.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As some of you know, I have come to call this mishandling of Scripture the \u201cOld Country Buffet Syndrome.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Have you ever been to an all you can eat buffet?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When all of our children lived at home we loved going to the Old Country Buffet!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because each of us got to \u201cpick and choose\u201d what we felt like having for dinner!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It worked out great for us!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Unfortunately, the Old Country Buffet Syndrome wreaks havoc in the church.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>People often ask me, \u201cWhy are there so many different Christian denominations?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I have even been asked, \u201cWhy are there different kinds of Lutheran churches?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My answer is that not every church follows the purpose that Paul gives to us here in our text:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i>\u201c\u2026to present to you the word of God in its fullness.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">God\u2019s<\/b> church we are to proclaim <b><i>everything<\/i><\/b> God has revealed to us here in His holy inspired Word\u2014 even those parts of the Bible that we can not fully comprehend (such as the six-day Creation of the universe, the virgin birth of the Christ and Jesus\u2019 physical resurrection from the dead), even those parts of the Bible that society adamantly and angrily opposes (such as the Bible\u2019s teaching on homosexuality, abortion and pre-marital sex), even those parts of the Bible that we personally might not like to hear (such as the powerful message of God\u2019s holy Law).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And yet, the purpose of God\u2019s church today is to do exactly what the apostle Paul did in his ministry so many years ago\u2014 <i>\u201c\u2026present the word of God to you in its fullness.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Perhaps because the false teachers in Colosse were claiming to have a knowledge and a wisdom and an insight that went beyond what the apostle Paul presented, Paul explains to the Colossians what he means when he says that he <i>\u201cpresents\u201d<\/i> to them the Word of God <i>\u201cin its fullness.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at verses 26-27 of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul writes, <i>\u201c\u2026the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When the word <i>\u201cmystery\u201d<\/i> is used in the New Testament Scriptures this Greek word is used to refer to \u201csecret thoughts, plans and dispensations of God which are hidden from the human reason, as well as from all other comprehension below the divine level, and hence must be revealed to those for whom they are intended.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What is the <i>\u201cmystery\u201d<\/i> that you and I could not have known unless God Himself revealed it to us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This <i>\u201cmystery,\u201d<\/i> my friends, centers on the three little words here in our text, <i>\u201cChrist in you.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Through the power of God\u2019s Holy Spirit working through the message of the Gospel as it comes to us in Word and Sacrament Paul assures you that Christ Himself <i>\u201clives\u201d<\/i> in you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Paul expands on this glorious truth when he says in Galatians 2:20, <i>\u201cI have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See also John 14:23)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because Christ Himself <i>\u201clives\u201d<\/i> in us, my friends, we now have as our personal possession <i>\u201cthe hope of glory.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No matter how many difficulties, no matter how many hardships, no matter how many heartaches we encounter on our journey through this world we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the <i>\u201cglory\u201d<\/i> which the good Lord has waiting for us in His heavenly Home far surpasses even our wildest imagination!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See also Romans 8:18)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">This then is the purpose of the church right down to this very day.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As we follow Paul\u2019s example and <i>\u201cpresent\u2026 the word of God in its fullness\u201d<\/i> the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of sinners\u2014 even sinners like you and me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the work of the Holy Spirit Christ Himself <i>\u201clives\u201d<\/i> in us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because Christ Himself <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201clives\u201d<\/i> in us we have <i>\u201cthe hope, the confident expectation of glory.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Think about it, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This world has absolutely nothing that even begins to compare to the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201chope of glory\u201d<\/i> that we sinners receive from the Lord when His church is focused on presenting God\u2019s Word to God\u2019s people <i>\u201cin its fullness.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Intimately connected with the purpose of presenting the Word of God <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin its fullness\u201d<\/i> is the second purpose of the church. <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>Look at verse 28 of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The second purpose is found in Paul\u2019s words, <i>\u201cWe proclaim him <\/i><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:italic\">(Pointing to the cross)<i>, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.\u201d<\/i><\/span><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The key word in this verse is the Greek word that is translated as <i>\u201cperfect.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The picture behind this Greek word is that of a person \u201creaching their goal.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In fact, the word used here in our text is a variation of the very same word that Jesus used when He said from the cross, <i>\u201cIt is finished,\u201d <\/i>or that can be translated as: <i>\u201cI have reached My goal\u201d<\/i> (John 19:30; Matthew 1:21).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The purpose of the church, my friends, is to help God\u2019s people <i>\u201creach their goal\u201d<\/i> of becoming <i>\u201cperfect in Christ.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Will we achieve this goal of perfection while we are still on this side of heaven?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No, we will not.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Philippians 3:12-14)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Does God expect us to strive towards this goal as we journey through this world?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, He does!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How does the church tie in with this goal?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Go back to verse 28 of our text. <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>Just as the purpose of Paul\u2019s ministry was to <i>\u201cproclaim him<\/i> (Jesus), <i>admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom<\/i>,<i>\u201d<\/i> so also that needs to be the purpose of God\u2019s church today.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">\u201cProclaiming\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"> Jesus takes us right back to <i>\u201cpresenting\u2026the word of God in its fullness,\u201d<\/i> doesn\u2019t it.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When the church stays focused on proclaiming the Word of God without adding to it or subtracting from it people will hear not only who Jesus is and what Jesus has done <b><i>for <\/i><\/b>them (pointing to the cross), but they will also hear how they can say \u201cThank-you!\u201d to Jesus by the way that they live their life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That means that sometimes God\u2019s people need to be <i>\u201cadmonished\u201d<\/i> or <i>\u201cwarned.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As the saved and forgiven children of God we can\u2019t simply live our life however we decide to live it. <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>Every aspect of our entire life\u2014 whether we are at home, at work, at school or at play\u2014 every aspect of our entire life needs to be lived in the light of His cross.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And if God forbid there is some part of our life that is contradicting what our dear Savior wants for us then the church has the responsibility to <i>\u201cadmonish\u201d<\/i> or <i>\u201cwarn\u201d <\/i>us \u2014 just as parents have the responsibility to <i>\u201cadmonish\u201d<\/i> or <i>\u201cwarn\u201d<\/i> their children when they go astray and are doing something wrong.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The flip side of that very same coin centers on <i>\u201cteaching everyone with all wisdom.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whether it\u2019s the Sunday morning sermon, Bible class, Sunday school or Confirmation class the purpose of the church is to <i>\u201cteach.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/i>Christ Himself gave this purpose to His Church when He said, <i>\u201cAll authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 28:18-20).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God\u2019s holy Word, as we grow in both our desire and our ability to live our life in a way that is pleasing to our Savior God, as we grow in our sanctification we will get closer and closer to the goal of being <i>\u201cperfect in Christ\u201d<\/i> until we ultimately attain that goal in the glory and perfection of our heavenly Father\u2019s home.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Even though it has been a while since I have participated in a door-to-door canvass, do we need to survey the community to find out what the purpose of our congregation is?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No, we do not, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By the grace of God and with the insight of holy Scripture we already know the answer to the question <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">What is the Purpose of the Church?<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>May God grant that like the apostle Paul we will always strive by God\u2019s grace to see the two-fold purpose of our church as to:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><i>\u201cpresent to you the word of God in its fullness\u201d<\/i> and to <i>\u201cpresent everyone perfect in Christ.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Pentecost-9-08-11-19.mp3\">Pentecost-9-08-11-19.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost August 11, 2019 Colossians 1:24-29 What is the Purpose of the Church? &nbsp; Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ&#8217;s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.&nbsp; I have become its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1149"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1149\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}