Church

Worship, Equipping, Fellowship

Pastor Tan Thai · Dec 4, 2016

1 Corinthians 3:16-17Matthew 28:18-20Acts 1:8Matthew 4:8-10Revelation 4:6-11Psalm 96:1-6Matthew 15:7-9John 4:20-23Psalm 63:3-4Psalm 134:1-21 Timothy 2:8Matthew 26:30Colossians 3:161 Chronicles 23:52 Chronicles 5:12-13Ephesians 4:11-161 Corinthians 14:3-51 Corinthians 14:121 Corinthians 14:171 Corinthians 14:26Acts 2:46-47Hebrews 10:24-251 John 4:7-81 John 4:12-131 John 3:17-18James 2:14-17

This sermon presents three of the four purposes of the Church of God: worshipping God, equipping believers, and fellowship in Christ. Each purpose is explained through multiple Scripture passages and practical illustrations, helping the congregation understand the mission and life of believers within the local church.

The sermon opens with the apostle Paul's solemn warning in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, affirming that the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit and is of utmost importance to God. The pastor introduces the four purposes of every Church of God — evangelism, worship, equipping believers, and fellowship — and emphasizes that knowing the right purpose is essential for genuine church growth.

The central portion of the sermon focuses on true worship. The pastor uses the account of Satan's temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:8-10) to underscore that every person worships something — either God, or material things, fame, or the devil. The folk tale of Faust is employed as an illustration of the danger of pursuing worldly gain at the cost of one's soul. The sermon quotes Revelation 4:6-11 and Psalm 96:1-6 to describe worship in heaven and on earth, highlighting three key elements: praising God's power, declaring His salvation, and offering thanksgiving. Citing John 4:21-23, the pastor teaches that location is not the central issue; what matters is worshipping in spirit and in truth — whether at church, at home, or at the workplace.

The section on equipping believers is grounded in Ephesians 4:11-16, showing that the various ministries within the Church exist to equip the saints for service and to build up the Body of Christ until all reach maturity in faith. The pastor stresses the importance of studying and practicing Scripture, discovering one's spiritual gifts, and being practically equipped for witnessing, teaching, or serving in worship ministry.

The final section addresses fellowship in Christ, clearly distinguishing true fellowship from mere social eating and drinking. Genuine fellowship involves mutual encouragement, sharing burdens, and supporting one another in faith and daily life. The pastor cites Acts 2:46-47, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 4:7-8, and James 2:14-17 to demonstrate that true fellowship must be expressed through concrete love and practical action toward those in need within society.