Church as God intended

Steve PetchSunday 4th May 2008

Part 17: The Body – worth investing in1 Corinthians 12 v 12 –13

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What is the church?

The Body(Worth investing in!)

Why is the church important?

•It’s important to God•It’s important to believers•It’s important to the world

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What is the purpose of the church?•Fellowship•Discipleship•Ministry•Worship•Evangelism

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God

should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Eph 3 v 10 - 11

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What about this Church?

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What about this Church?The vision of Grace Church Chichester:

“To build a radical church family of 1000 committed members reaching

from the city to the sea”

This city needs Jesus!

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What is today for?

“Vision for future growth”Flexible resources:

•Outreach / Mission?•Future employment?•Future buildings?

This is about faith inspired preparation

It is a bibilical concept!(2 Corinthians 8 & 9)

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What do we each need to do?1.Sign a gift aid form (only once!)2.Reassess our regular giving3.Give a faith filled gift today

The Body(Worth investing in!)

What should my attitude be?1.Give with faith

2.In accordance with your means

3.Not reluctantly or under compulsion

4.Cheerfully

5.In expectation that God will bless you

The Body(Worth investing in!)

Gift Day May 2008‘Vision for future growth’

The practical stuff