Scripture References: Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 1-6; Acts 9:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13

Intro: This sermon by guest speaker Dave Smith explores God's vision for the local church. Often, past experiences or hurts can lead to disillusionment with church. However, Jesus identifies profoundly with His Church (Acts 9: "Why are you persecuting Me?"). The goal is to catch a biblical vision for the Church that "ruins" us for anything less.

Key Points:

1. Jesus and His Church are Inseparable: Loving Jesus means loving His Bride, the Church. Indifference or antagonism towards the Church is inconsistent with loving Christ, as He sees the Church as His own body.
2. The Acts 2 Church: A Model, Not Just History: The vibrant community described in Acts 2:42-47 (devoted, awe-filled, unified, generous, impactful, growing) is presented not to mock our current experience, but as God's model for what the Church can and should be today through the same Spirit and Gospel.
3. A Glorious Vision Throughout Scripture (Ephesians): The New Testament consistently presents a high view of the Church: 
   • Christ's Body, His Fullness (Eph 1)
   • God's Temple, His Dwelling Place by the Spirit (Eph 2)
   • The Display of God's Wisdom to the World (Eph 3)
   • A Maturing Organism, Growing into Christ (Eph 4)
   • A Victorious Army in Spiritual Warfare (Eph 6)
4. The Church is God's Unfailing Plan A: There is no Plan B. Jesus will build His Church, and its ultimate success is guaranteed by His resurrection, ascension, and session (sitting actively at God's right hand, interceding). Investing in the Church is investing in a guaranteed success.
5. The Church is God's Answer for the World: The Gospel message needs a tangible demonstration. The loving, unified, serving community of the Church displays God's transforming power and wisdom to a watching world. Healthy churches are vital for mission.
6. The Church is the Essential Soil for Growth: God plants believers into the local church community (1 Cor 12:13). It's the primary context where we grow, are challenged, discover gifts, learn to love difficult people, get connected, and are changed. Growth outside of committed church life is severely limited.

Conclusion: God's vision for His Church is glorious, powerful, and attainable. It is His unchanging Plan A for redeeming the world and maturing believers. We are called to embrace this vision, move past disappointments, and invest wholeheartedly in the local church, the most exciting and enduring work on planet Earth.

Call to Action: Ask God to "ruin" you with His vision for the Church. Read Scripture (Acts 2, Ephesians) to see what He intends. Release past hurts and cynicism; choose to bless the Church. Commit or recommit to active involvement in your local church community, investing your life in God's guaranteed plan.

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