God created man in His own image in

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Gen. 1: 27)

“Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them…” (Rev. 21: 3)

In-between: Genesis 3: 5 “You will be like God!” MEANS: § Rebellion. § Alone. § Left with Systems. § Avoiding God. § In the Kosmos. § Air-Tight, God-Proof Systems § Scientific, Psychological, Medical, Educational, Political SYSTEMS. § Including Religious and Theological Systems.

Systems That Replace God 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 1. The World: a Sphere of Rebellion 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 2. System: Order out of anarchy … 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him 3. Establishment: Reaching all areas. as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four -footed animals and crawling creatures. Including the CHURCH.

God’s Challenge to Man’s Systems: Jesus Christ § His life was a collision against the System. § Acknowledged Satan was the Ruler of it. § The Devil told him, “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them— because they are mine to give to anyone I please. ” Luke 4: 6 (NLT) § “The ruler of this world…” John 12: 31 § “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” 1 John 5: 19

God’s Challenge to Man’s Systems: Jesus Christ § § § His life was a collision against the System. Acknowledged Satan was the Ruler of it. He didn’t fit in… § Did not codify his teachings. § No job after age 30. § § No significant accompl§ ishments. § § No religious establishment. § § No personal goals. § No organization. § § Never in a hurry. § § Small circle of insignificant friends. Created no social “cause”. Never entered politics. Taught wherever, whenever. Never chided lack of accomplishment: only faith. Never angled for advantage. Labeled ‘Irresponsible’.

God’s Challenge to Man’s Systems: Jesus Christ § § § His life was a collision against the System. Acknowledged Satan was the Ruler of it. He didn’t fit in… § A living collision with the System. § He introduced a solution. § Not another system. § It was something organic…

The Organic Body of Christ “And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ” Acts 2: 2 (NASB) § Begun by the Holy Spirit, not men. § Not “CHURCH”. § Rather, ecclesia: “Called OUT Ones…” § A mystical union between God and Man. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Rom. 12: 4 -5)

What happened? § They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and they possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Acts 2 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Contentful

Acts 2 Cf. v 46 Every day continuing 42 And they were continually devoting with one mind in themselves to the apostles’ teaching the temple, and to fellowship, to the breaking of breaking bread and to prayer. from house to house, they were 43 And everyone kept feeling a sense taking their meals of awe; and many wonders and signs together with were taking place through the gladness and apostles. sincerity of heart Relational sincerity of heart

Acts 2 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Celebration!

Acts 2 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. God-centered

Acts 2 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Amazement

Acts 2 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Supernatural

Acts 2 44 And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Generous, Sacrificial

Acts 2 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Unified

Acts 2 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Large & Small groups

Acts 2 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Authentic

Acts 2 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Grateful

Acts 2 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Culturally Integrated

Acts 2 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being rescued. Outreaching

The ‘Church’ vs. Body of Christ § § § § Contentful->Ignorant Koinonia->Pews Communion->Superstitious System Prayer->Formulas, Durges Awe->Stuffy, Impersonal Systems Supernatural->Man-made achievements Sacrificial->Investments in the Kosmos One Mind->Polite Distance Multiple Meetings->One Meeting Authentic Spirituality->Stale Rituals Praising God->WHAT FOR? ? Favor with the People->Christianity is a failed religion. Adding to their numbers: Christianity in decline.

The Body of Christ § Essentially Irreligious! § Called away from salvation by a system, to salvation by a person. § A beautiful, relational event, where someone comes and says, “I'm God with skin on, and I want to deal with you as a person. . . not through a system. ”

Conclusion: What prevents us from enjoying the same, exciting Body of Christ? § God? § Love of the SYSTEMS of Man? § Apathy? § Cynicism? § “No Time” ?