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Bruce Hempel discusses the importance of spiritual health in the church, emphasizing key marks of a healthy church while encouraging self-reflection and unity among believers. He highlights the church’s role as the “pillar and bulwark of truth” and contrasts it with a world under the power of evil. The sermon focuses on practical ways to strengthen local churches through obedience to Scripture, community, discipleship, evangelism, and spiritual freedom.
Bullet points with key content:
[00:00:00]Bruce expresses gratitude for the retreat, sharing how trials yield spiritual treasures when walked with the Lord.[00:01:41]Thanks attendees, volunteers, and staff for their efforts in making the retreat meaningful.[00:03:49]Introduces the theme: marks of a healthy church, urging humility and learning across congregations.[00:05:51]1. Teach and obey God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 28:20): The church must uphold and live by Scripture.[00:14:52]2. Foster community: Western churches often lack deep fellowship; openness and shared life strengthen the body.[00:17:58]3. Prioritize discipleship: Being a Christian means being a disciple—learning to imitate Christ as our Master.[00:21:42]4. Evangelism: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) mandates making disciples globally.[00:23:25]5. Freedom for members to contribute gifts (1 Corinthians 14): Every member’s role builds the body.[00:24:52]6. Freedom for the Holy Spirit to move: Rejects rigid control; encourages gifts like healing and prophecy (1 Corinthians 12).[00:29:28]7. Unity in the broader body of Christ: Avoids sectarianism; embraces love and learning across denominations (John 17).
Scripture References
- 1 Timothy 3:15
- 1 John 5:19
- Matthew 28:18-20
- 1 Corinthians 14
- 1 Corinthians 12
- John 17
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