Community and Fellowship- The Necessity of the Church

What is the church?

Ekklesia- Called out ones

Definition: Followers of Christ who derived their identity and mission from Jesus and understood themselves to be the true eschatological community of God.

Universal church: composed of every single born-again believer in the world.

Local Church: a group of Christians who gather regularly in Christ’s name to officially affirm and oversee one another’s membership in Jesus Christ and His kingdom through gospel preaching and gospel ordinances.

The church is a group of people dedicated to following Christ, unified on key teachings, and that care for one another as is needed.

What does a church do?

Acts 2:42-47

They were instructed by the Word (apostles teaching) V.42

They fellowshipped with one another V.42

Broke bread (ate meals, and celebrated The Lord’s Supper)V.42

They Prayed together V.42

They took care and provided for one another V.44-45

They opened their home to one another V.46

Worship Col 3:16

They hold each other accountable Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:1-5)

Why do I need the church?

To begin, we are commanded to not neglect the gathering of the saints Heb. 10:25

Answering the question, we are told to not neglect it because we were made to be in community.

God designed us to need one another, and on this side of eternity, I need the church to help me grow spiritually.

I need someone else looking at my life, because I can too easily lie to myself.

The church helps me grow in my doctrine, and corrects me when I am in error.

Its the local church that I submit to that is responsible for my well being, and it is in this local church that I can find people unified on the core things of life, who will love and care for me when I need it most.

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think some people believe the lie that church is optional for Christians?

Why do we need the church and how does being a part of a church help me grow in my faith?

How has being a part of our church impacted you?

What are some ways you can become more plugged in to our church?