What is Church?

God’s dwelling place

Is it a place we go to or who we are?

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:19-22

Summary: In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul sheds light on the church as a spiritual entity, a new community formed in Christ. This passage emphasises that the church transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, highlighting that all believers are unified together, with Christ being the central cornerstone of this transformative building project.

Application: Understanding that the church is a diverse community where all believers are united in Christ can be empowering. It can guide Christians to embrace their differences while fostering love, grace, and unity among them. This knowledge strengthens communal support and encourages believers to actively participate in the life of the church while reaching out to those who feel marginalised or disconnected.

A pastor once joked that being the church is like being a bag of mixed nuts. You've got the salty ones, the sweet ones, and everything in between! Each nut has its unique flavor, but together, they make a tasty trail mix. Just like our church, we come from different backgrounds and personalities, but when we come together as one body in Christ, we create something truly special!

Imagine a team of pirates searching for buried treasure. They may bicker over the map and argue during the journey, but when they finally find the chest, they're united in their joy! In the same way, being the church is about navigating our differences while keeping our eyes on Christ, our ultimate treasure and purpose. Together, we can celebrate the victories that come from being His body!

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the church is not simply a gathering of individuals but a powerful community designed by God, where every member plays a crucial role in building one another up. It will emphasise the corporate nature of faith and the call to serve one another in love, aligning with Christ's example of sacrificial service.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the cornerstone, foreshadowing His role in God's larger redemptive plan. Throughout scripture, Jesus is depicted as the foundation upon which the people of God are built, culminating in the formation of the church as the dwelling place of His presence among believers.

Big Idea: In Christ, every believer is a vital part of a diverse community, and together, we are being built into a dwelling place for God, showcasing His glory through our unity and shared purpose.

Recommended Study: As you prepare to preach on Ephesians 2:19-22, I suggest studying the various terms used in this passage, especially 'cornerstone' and 'temple'. Dive into the cultural significance of these metaphors in a Jewish and Greco-Roman context using Logos to explore their implications for the early church. Additionally, consider looking at commentaries that analyse Paul's understanding of ethnicity and community in Christ, which can bring a fresh perspective to a modern audience grappling with cultural divisions.

1. Citizenship in Christ's Kingdom

Ephesians 2:19

You could open by highlighting how Paul describes believers as fellow citizens with God's people. This suggests an identity deeper than nationality or ethnicity. Perhaps remind the congregation that their belonging to the church supersedes earthly affiliations, inviting them to view themselves as part of a heavenly community, shaped by Christ's values and love. This might encourage those who feel disconnected, to realise they are integral to this divine community, united under Christ, thus emphasising the sermon's idea that in Christ, all are vital in building God's dwelling place.

2. Cornerstone of Our Community

Ephesians 2:20

Perhaps draw attention to the foundation of the church, built on apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This suggests the importance of remaining rooted in foundational truths and doctrines, ensuring Christ remains the focus of all church activities and teachings. Invite the congregation to reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles and how they apply today, thereby strengthening the church's mission and unity. This underlines the sermon's message that together, grounded in Christ, believers form a holy temple.

3. Constructing a Holy Temple

Ephesians 2:21

Maybe illustrate how Paul envisions the church as growing into a holy temple, a dynamic and living entity where God is present. This suggests ongoing transformation and invites believers to actively participate in fostering growth and unity in diverse communities. Encourage the congregation to embrace their roles, using their unique gifts to contribute to this collaborative process, reflecting the sermon's theme that each believer is essential to the church's development as God's dwelling place on earth.

4. Community as God’s Dwelling

Ephesians 2:22

You could conclude by emphasising the personal and communal aspect of being built together as God’s dwelling. This suggests an intimacy between God and His people, highlighting that His Spirit resides within the community. Encourage believers to nurture this dwelling through unity and love, thereby bringing glory to God. By living in harmony and mutual support, they collectively become a testament to God’s presence in the world, reinforcing the big idea that in unity, they manifest God's glory and shared purpose.