Can We Serve Church “Cafeteria Style”?Can We Serve Church “Cafeteria Style”?

Lesson 6:

The Heart of a New Testament Church

I.I. IntroductionIntroductionA. The key to the New Testament church is not to

be found in the right terminology, or in the right rituals; it is to be found in the right heart

B. This is the subject of this lesson: The Heart of a New Testament Church

C. Our approach in this lesson1. Old and New Testament: a new heart

needed2. The good news: a new heart provided3. Three primary characteristics of a new

heart: faith, hope, and loveD. Conclusion and Application

II.II. Hearts RevealedHearts RevealedA. God’s glory is displayed by revealing His heart

1. Old Testament: Exodus 34:6-7.2. New Testament:

a. John 1:14-18 (God’s glory revealed in Jesus)b. Jesus has compassion (Matthew 9:36; 14:15);

the Pharisees do not (Matthew 9:13; 12:7; Luke 13:10-17).

c. Luke 15:7-10 (angels rejoice)d. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (God desires salvation)e. 2 Peter 3:9 (God delays judgment)

B. Men’s hearts are revealed in Scripture1. Genesis 6:52. Numbers 15:39-403. Jeremiah 17:94. Deuteronomy 4:29; 5:28-295. Matthew 9:10-136. Matthew 23:25-287. Mark 7:17-238. Matthew 12:34-35

C. Evil hearts can perform the rituals, but they cannot please God (Isaiah 29:13)

III.III. New Hearts Promised and ProvidedNew Hearts Promised and ProvidedA. The promise

1. Jeremiah 31:31-332. Ezekiel 36:25-28*

B. The promise is fulfilled1. 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, 18*2. 2 Corinthians 5:17*3. Galatians 2:20*4. Romans 2:28-29

C. New hearts are essential to a New Testament church1. Ephesians 42. Romans 12:1-163. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11*

IV.IV. Three Characteristics of a New HeartThree Characteristics of a New HeartA. Love

1. Romans 12:9-16; 13:8-102. 1 Corinthians 133. Galatians 5:13-26

B. Hope1. 1 Peter 1:3-52. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-183. Romans 8:18-25

C. Faith1. Romans 12:3, 62. Hebrews 11 (especially verse 1)3. Essential for doing church God’s way

D. Faith, Hope, and Love in Hebrews 11-13*

V.V. ConclusionConclusionA. Definition of a New Testament church: A

New Testament church is a church which manifests the life, character, gospel and ministry of Jesus Christ to the world

B. A new (Testament) heart is essential for a New Testament church

C. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is essential for a new heart and New Testament church life

Copyright © 2008 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 6 in the series, Can We Serve Church Cafeteria Style?, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh on March 9, 2008. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.