We Are The Church!

Good morning! Glad each of one of you are here with us this morning. Make sure if today is your first time with us or if you haven't done so yet you fill out a connect card or scan the QR code on the back of the chair in front of you so we can stay connected with you.

Read Ephesians 1:20-23

Ephesians 1:20–23 CSB

He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

PRAY!

Why do a series on the church? To provide insights of its various aspects, functions, and roles within the lives of believers and the world. And to point out false ideas we may have about what the church is and isn't.

Opening Section: Questions we may ask when looking for a church or trying to figure out what the church is?

1.Is the building nice?

2.Whats the parking situation like?

3.Is it clear on where to go and what to do when you arrive?

4.Are the seats comfortable?

5.Do they have top of the line/state of the art tech equipment and lighting? FOG MACHINE!

6.Are that bathrooms clean?

7.Do they have a children's ministry and is it top tier?

8.Do they sing songs i like and in the style i like?

9.Are there people like me?

10.Are the sermons engaging and short?

11.How is this gathering any different than another group of people getting together for some random reason or what they would consider important?

Not all of these questions are bad…But they shouldn't be the main reasons we are connected to a certain body of believers. When we have this type of mindset we very easily become consumers and only trying to get what we need and want.

What Is the Church Section:

Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church.

The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” ( WE ARE GOING TO COME BACK TO THIS!)

The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building.

Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.

The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Just as we read in Ephesians 1:22–23. The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until Christ’s return. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways, as the universal church or as the local church.

The universal church consists of everyone, everywhere, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

This verse says that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ and has received the Spirit of Christ as evidence. All those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ comprise the universal church.

The local church is described in Galatians 1:1–2: “Paul, an apostle . . . and all the brothers and sisters with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of Galatia there were many churches—they had a localized ministry and were scattered throughout the province.

They were local churches. A Baptist church, a Lutheran church, a Wesleyan church, etc., is not the church, as in the universal church; rather, it is a local church, a local body of believers. The universal church is comprised of everyone who belongs to Christ. Members of the universal church should seek fellowship and edification in a local church. (We need the community to grow)

Before we move on i want to drive home the church is not a building or a denomination.

According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ—all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Local churches are gatherings of people who claim the name of Christ.

Members of a local church may or may not be members of the universal church, depending on the genuineness of their faith. (Just because you come to a church service on Sunday morning doesn't mean you are actually a follower of Jesus!)

Now lets move onto why the church is important:

Why Church is Important Section:

I. The Church as God's Design:

Read Ephesians 3:10-11

“This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him.”

This points how the church reveals God's wisdom and purpose to the world.

The church is not a human invention, but a divine design to demonstrate God's multifaceted wisdom to the entire world.

II. Community and Support:

Read Acts 2:42-47

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

This shows how the early church provided community and support for all who came.

The church should excel in fostering meaningful relationships, fellowship, and shared growth it should brith authentic community (which is one of Averts Foundations) .Authentic community has to be intentional. It is both messy and beautiful.

Its messy because people are messy and make mistakes, and sin against one anther.

Its beautiful, because genuine love is displayed, forgiveness happens, transparency becomes a part of our lives trusting one anther and discipleship takes place. And the community becomes your family.

quick note on transparency:

Transparency is not:

It is not prideful, trying to make every conversation about you.

It is not a free pass to slander or gossip about those who may have hurt you (they are still image bearers, thought it can be hard to see them that way)

Its not about seeking the approval of others

Transparency is:

God glorifying

It is humility in action, as we invite others to know the "true" you.

It is strength in Christ, you are full aware and confident in who Jesus is and what He has done for you. And you know its only by God love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy that you can share.

III. Spiritual Growth and Discipleship(this will be unpacked in-depth more a different week):

Read Ephesians 4:11-16

“And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.”

the church plays a vital role in equipping believers for ministry and building maturity.the church provides a context for spiritual growth, teaching, and accountability.

The local church is where believers can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter 12—encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

IV. Corporate Worship and Encounter:

Read Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

The Christian life was never meant to be solitary. All of the biblical metaphors for a church indicate a plurality, never a singularity: we are a body, a flock, a building, and a holy nation. There are no “lone wolves” in biblical Christianity..

Explain how collective worship and fellowship contribute to personal renewal and the strengthening of faith.

The Hebrews passage we just read above reveals that one of the purposes of gathering together is to “encourage one another.” We all need encouragement. Corporate worship provides that for us. Church attendance also helps prevent backsliding and apostasy. Without regular participation in corporate worship, one tends to drift spiritually.

V. Making an Impact in the World:

Read Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

illustrating the church's role as salt and light in the world.Discuss how the church, when united and vibrant, influences society positively and shares the message of Christ.

VI. Compassion and Outreach:

Read James 1:27

“Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

the church is called to care for the vulnerable and marginalized. (Share examples of the church's historical and present-day efforts in addressing social needs).

VII. The Promise of Unity and Diversity:

Read Galatians 3:28

“There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.” emphasizing how the church breaks down barriers and fosters unity in Christ.Discuss how the church's diversity reflects the beauty of God's creation.

the church breaks down barriers and fosters unity in Christ.

the church's diversity reflects the beauty of God's creation. (ELABORATE HERE AS LED)

What Role Do I Have In The Church? Section:

I want to take us back to the Greek word ekklesia! It is important that the church today understand the definition of ekklesia.

The church needs to see itself as being “called out” by God. If the church wants to make a difference in the world, it must be different from the world.

Salt is different from the food it flavors. God has called the church to be separate from sin, to embrace fellowship with other believers (Acts 2:42), and to be a light to the world. God has graciously called us unto Himself

I. To live a Chosen and Set Apart life :

Read 1 Peter 2:9-10

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

We have been set apart by God for a unique purpose and how it influences our lifestyle.

II. Transformed by Renewed Minds:

Read Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

living as the "called out ones" involves a transformation of our minds, values, and priorities.

It is important to align our lives with God's will and discerning His good and pleasing plans.

III. Counter-Cultural Living:

Read 1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.”

There is a big difference between the world's values and God's values.

Being the "called out ones" means rejecting the world's allure and embracing God's eternal priorities.

V. Light in the Darkness:

Read Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

As believers we need to shine our light through our actions, attitudes, and interactions.

VI. Love and Unity:

Read John 13:34-35

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.””

Our love for one another is a distinguishing mark of being the "called out ones."

VII. Holiness in Everyday Life:

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

“For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. Consequently, anyone who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”

LETS MOVE ON TO THE DIFFERENT ROLES IN THE CHURCH

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

I. The Unity of the Body: Verses 12-14

just as the human body has interconnected parts, the church is a unified entity with diverse members.

unity doesn't mean uniformity but rather a harmonious collaboration of different gifts and functions

II. The Importance of Every Member: Verses 15-20

Even seemingly insignificant or less visible members have essential roles.Illustrate the idea that no one should feel inferior or unnecessary in the body of Christ.

we aren't all pastors, worship leaders and these gifts, talents, abilities are no better or worst than any other one.

III. Honoring Differences: Verses 21-24

each member has a specific purpose.Explain how God has intentionally designed diversity in the church for the body's health and effectiveness.

we must value and celebrate the uniqueness of others' gifts and contributions.

V. The Body's Purpose: Glorifying Christ and Serving Others

A diverse and unified church body can impact society through collective action, compassion, and sharing the Gospel.

Week 1 Questions:

1.Have you had different views over the years about what the Church is?

2.Why do you think it is so important for you to be connected to a local church rather than trying to walk out your faith solo?

3.Do you you feel your life reflects what it means to be a “called out one”?

4.What gifts, abilities, and talents do you believe God has given you to help the local church and His kingdom as a whole?