Cover to Cover - The Church’s Role in God’s Plan | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

The Church’s Role in God’s Plan | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

In this study, we explore the transformation of God’s intention from the Garden of Eden to the establishment of the Church. Pastor Greg Ford emphasizes the importance of understanding the church's empowered role in fulfilling God's plans, transitioning from Old Testament practices to New Testament revelations powered by the Holy Spirit.

Key Points

  1. Creation and God's Love: God's love for humanity began in the Garden of Eden, where He intended for us to live in harmony with Him, ourselves, and creation.

  2. Free Will and Sin: Humanity's free will allows for choices that lead to sin and chaos, illustrating the need for redemption.

  3. Covenantal Promises: God made covenants with Abraham, Moses, and David, foreshadowing a new kingdom through Jesus.

  4. The Church as a New Temple: The church is portrayed as the new temple empowered by the Holy Spirit, intended to spread God’s message globally.

  5. Resistance and Renewal: The early Church faced opposition but remained steadfast, demonstrating the necessity of adapting to God’s mission.

    • Scripture References

    • Genesis 1-3: The creation narrative and the Fall.

    • Acts 1:8: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit's power for witness.

    • Acts 2: The coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

    • Acts 10: Peter’s vision and the acceptance of Gentiles into the Church.

Conclusion:

The Church is called to embody God's covenantal love and live out His mission. It transitions from a physical temple to a community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing inclusivity and active witness to the world.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does understanding the Church as the new temple change your view of your own role in the community of believers?

  2. In what ways can we be more receptive to new directions God might be leading us to take as individuals and as a church?

  3. What does Acts 1:8 reveal about the scope of the Church’s mission?

  4. How does Peter’s vision in Acts 10 challenge our understanding of inclusivity within the Church?

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in gratitude for the gift of Your Son and the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit. Help us to understand our role in Your plan and how we can serve as active participants in Your mission. Guide us from our objections to openness and obedience to Your calling. May our lives reflect Your love and grace as we engage with the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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