Church - Local Assembly

Review

Last week we looked at Matthew 16:18

Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my ekklesia, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Last week we looked at the global church.

GLOBAL CHURCH: The visible and invisible gathering of God’s people united around their Faith in Jesus.

Church = Gathering of Believers

The gospel is offered to the people of every race, social class, location, and occupation. Just as everyone in the city could hear the announcement for a meeting, no category of people is excluded from receiving the offer of the gospel

The Church is not made in the image of one people group, but in the image of God—diverse, creative, and glorious.” (Paraphrased from Tim Keller and others)

We looke at the church in iran, china, africa, USA, japan, south korea, etc.

The church sufferes , and continutes to grow. In some places it’s shrinking, in other places expanding.

But what remains true is this.

WHERE GOD’S PEOPLE GATHER.… there gathers The Church!

The church is Visible

We see the church - as in you and I presently…

It refers to the outward, earthly manifestation of the Christian church, encompassing all individuals who publicly identify as Christians and participate in church activities. It includes denominations, congregations, pastors, and various outward expressions of faith, like ceremonies and worship styles.

The church is Invisible

The church exists far beyond that before our time and far into the future.

Hebrews 12:23 ESV

and to the assembly (church) of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

This is the actual spiritual reality, comprised of all those who have truly believed in Jesus Christ, regardless of whether they are part of a specific visible church.

Wether invisible or visible - the chruch gathers.

But what’s the point of it all? What’s the local church’s purpose? YBMC?

Purpose of a Local Church

In order to dig into the purpose of the local church I want to explore an idea that will take a time to unpack.

Turn to: Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 ESV

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Has been revealed

Note he’s basically saying this mystery has been revealed… it was a mystery novel lived out.

Anyone ever heard of the hardy boys or nancy drew, or hallmark mysteries, or ???

To apostles to prophets… what is it? The mystery is the Gentiles are fellow Heirs.

Grace was given to preach about this mystery

The mystery previous revealed. I now preach… but not in my own power.

Through God’s power enabling me to do so. This thing that was hidden for all time itself…

He preaches this message.

The message is:

unsearchable richness of Christ

Light now comes to all (jew and gentile!)

SO THAT THROUGH THE Church.… the incredible wisdom and ability of God might be shown.

Go wanted to show of His church…

To the rulers and authorities in heavenly places. and even the world!

Because of all this I humbly bow… before God… from who all the families of the earth bow.

To him be glory in the church, and in Jesus Christ.

Translating this:

In all other generations this mystery of the chruch wasn’t revealed. But now Paul says, “God came to you and to me in our generation”.

He came to us, and he came to Jews and Gentiles alike.

We are now stewards or handlers of this mystery!

One of my cousins now rides bulls… amazing to watch how he handles that bull.

He rides it.

We are trying to wrap our minds around this mystery...

The key to understanding this concept… this stewardship.

Is to benefit others and to Glorify God.…

Remember Paul - Who used to be Saul?!

Saul- previoulsy sought to kill and destry… what God did for him was to call him to serve him and eventually lead HIS people BACK to God.

On Damascus God not only saved him, but flipped him around.

That’s grace at work. His mystery being revealed… God can save us all.

We cannot understand God’s ability and masterful plan that God is weaving in all our lives.

We all have a certain measure of time

A certain measure of talents

A certain measure of treasure.

Paul equipped him with a little of this and a dash of that… , then used him.

What happened.… he gave him the revelation of the mystery.

Note is says that “through the church the manifold mysteries of God might be revealed”?

God wants you to use you so that God’s mystery of the church… CONTINUES to be revealed to the rest of the world.

That together - whether be JEW or GENTILE - We are all citizens of God’s kingdom.

We are one and the same. WE as gentiles have everything that any Jew would want to have.

We are equals.

It’s not fair… Jews would cry out.

STORY

One afternoon, a four-year-old son lost his cookie-eating privilege due to a bad attitude at breakfast. Later that day, his six-year-old sister declared she wasn’t going to eat her cookie either—not because she’d misbehaved, but out of solidarity with her brother. She said it was only fair.

But God broke down the wall of hostility.

Galatians 3:29 ESV

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

Wow. Mind blown.

Jews would say - wait a second… that’s not fair!

We are now all heirs in one body.

Fellow Heirs refers to legal status.

Romans 8:15 ESV

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Romans 8:17 ESV

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Fellow members of the body.

We all have the same Jeans… Divine jeans.

If we have been born again by the blood of Jesus Christ we are one with the family of God.

PAUSE..

Both global… , visible and invisible… and local.

None of us then should think:

that we are better than someone else… why? We are all fellow heirs

that when I pray, and you pray… we have the same attention before our mediator - Jesus and before the Father.

That whether you have large talents or small talents - all talents matter before God.

That whether you work “in the field” for one hour or 10 hours… we all still are “chosen” by God, “hired servants”, on the payroll!

Matthew 20:1–16 ESV

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.”

**Denarius = days pay for skilled worker.

What was the “Complaint”??

Matthew 20:1–16 ESV

‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us

His reply?

Matthew 20:1–16 ESV

Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you

Matthew 20:1–16 ESV

Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?

Whether we work for one hour, or 10 hours...

Regardless of background or qualifications...

We are all laborers in GOD’s VINEYARD.

Ok..

Why did God reveal this?

IN ORDER THAT… MULTICULORED WISDOM OF GOD

NKJV “the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church”

TO....

“to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11according to the eternal purpose”

Or the NKJV says:

10 to the intent that now the [d]manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the [e]principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 

What are principalities or powers? those heavenly or earthly beings.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

WHY? This is deep.

God wants US to teach the spiritual realm a thing or two...

Rulers and Authorities refer to “angels” and “Angelic ruling authorities”.

God wants to teach angels a lesson.

The object lession is the church.…

Its from the church… to the spiritual realm.

Why would God up there… come down here to teach something... up there.

God wants us:

through our lives

through jews and getntiles getting along

through the church in general…

TO SHOW OFF how magnificient he is.

The way he did that was so he would create lower creatures… YOU and me.

Who would teach greater creatures… lessons...

to let the greater creatures know… that he is GOD and He is Great!!...

Ever been around a child… and all the adults in the room are trying to figure something out… and the kid blurts out.

Well why don’t you do this or say that… Everyone in the room looks and says HUH.

That makes sense.

That’s what God wants the church to do to the angels and demons.

Huh… yea. That’s pretty incredible.

Makes sense but also deep.

God wants to SO WORK in our lives and through the chruch, that...

The good angels and principalities of the air learn what is is when your dependant upon God.

The good angels don’t know anything about rebelling… you good angels are smart for not rebelling

The bad angels it’s bad to rebel… this is what happens when your not dependant upon God.

This is why this whole thing is an amazing mystery… and even today. It baffles my puny little mind.

Why? But that was god’s plan.

What plan…

To reveal that...... all can be united in Christ.... all peoples of the earth.… all tongues.… all races.… all creeds.

Can be one in the church.

“The Church glorifies God”

The church is one with many members

Jews Gentiles…

Wherever the Church Gathers...

In whatever ways it gathers, and whomever gathers...

>> the church exists to showcase God’s glory to the world and angels

We “Glorify God” when We...

By… We baffle them when we…

LOVING - How is it they can love one another:

John 13:34 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

UNITY - How is it they live in unity:

Psalm 133:1 ESV

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

GROWTH - How is it that they live and grow throughout the world?

Acts 9:31 ESV

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

COURAGE - How is it they do these things?

By the Spirit.

Acts 2:14 ESV

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

DIVERSITY - how being different they still get along?

Romans 1:16 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

TRANSFORMATION - How, what? Look how they change? They live? They grow? they follow?

2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

The Mystery of the Early Church…

When I think about the early church… I’m baffled.

Think of this.

In practical, everyday life, the differences between Jews and Gentiles in Jesus’ day were large.

Who? Jews worshipped Yahweh, the one true God, and were fiercely monotheistic, while Gentiles worshipped a wide variety of gods and goddesses, often tied to Greek and Roman mythology (e.g., Zeus, Artemis, Apollo, and Caesar himself, who was considered divine).

Where? Jews worshipped in the temple in Jerusalem and in local synagogues, offering sacrifices and observing the feasts given by the Law of Moses. Gentiles worshipped in pagan temples scattered across the empire, often through rituals involving idols, incense, and sometimes immoral practices like temple prostitution.

What they ate: Jews followed strict dietary laws (kosher), avoiding foods like pork, shellfish, or anything considered unclean (Lev. 11). Gentiles, however, had no such restrictions and freely ate these foods, which to Jews made them “defiled” or ceremonially unclean.

Where they went: Jews would avoid pagan marketplaces if they believed the food or goods had been offered to idols, while Gentiles regularly visited such places. Jews also avoided Roman theaters, gladiator games, and bathhouses because they were filled with pagan symbols, immorality, and idolatry.

The daily lifestyle of a Gentile often looked “worldly” and impure to a Jew—filled with idol statues on street corners, shrines in homes, and even festivals that mixed drinking with worship of false gods. The Jews’ separation was so intense that entering a Gentile’s house could render a Jew ceremonially unclean. These sharp divisions made the gospel message—that Jews and Gentiles are now “one” in Christ (Eph. 2:14–16)—absolutely revolutionary.

Yet they often were… (Not I said Often.. they still had issues).

Unified — “They were all of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32)

Joyful — Praised God with glad hearts (Acts 2:46–47)

Generous — Shared possessions to meet needs (Acts 4:34–35)

Evangelistic — The Lord added to their number daily (Acts 2:47)

Spirit-filled — Empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:31)

Bold — Spoke the Word of God without fear (Acts 4:29–31)

Persevering — Remained faithful in persecution (Acts 5:41–42)

Obedient — Followed Christ's commands despite opposition (Acts 5:29)

Worshipful — Praised God publicly and privately (Acts 2:47; Col. 3:16)

Loving — Loved one another deeply (John 13:35; 1 Thess. 4:9)

Faithful in teaching — Handed down sound doctrine (2 Tim. 2:2)

Humble — Served one another (Phil. 2:3–5)

I had some help with this but I imagined what it might’ve been like to worship with a “Jew” or with a “Gentile”?

Imagine with me...

If we were a JEW… going to worship....

The first time I walked into their gathering, I almost turned around at the door.

It was a quiet morning—we had just finished reading from the scrolls and were praying when the door creaked open, and in stepped a Roman. A Gentile. My heart jumped. I didn’t know whether to stand in defense or sink into the floor. Everything in me wrestled—He’s unclean… he doesn’t belong… he’s not one of us. He didn’t know our customs, our songs, our Scriptures. He smelled of meat we’d never eat and wore the symbols of a life I was taught to avoid.

But then I saw the tears in his eyes. He spoke with such humility. He had heard about Jesus—our Jesus—and believed. And something inside me cracked. For the first time, I realized this wasn’t just our Messiah. He was his too. And when we broke the bread and shared the cup, I wept. Not because he was there, but because he was welcomed—and so was I. It was incredible.

If we were a GENTILE… going to worship....

I knew I didn’t belong—not really. These people were raised on the Law of Moses, trained from birth in words and customs I barely understood. I had spent my life around temples with idols, feasts filled with indulgence, and gods that demanded everything but gave nothing back. Now, I stood among people who spoke of one God—holy, unseen, yet somehow close—and a man named Jesus who died and rose again. I didn’t know how to dress, what to say, or if I’d be welcome.

I saw the hesitation in their eyes when I walked in. One man stiffened when I sat near him. Another glanced at my belt—probably noting the Roman pattern—and then looked away. But they didn’t send me out. They let me stay. And when they prayed, I listened. When they sang, I tried to hum along. I didn’t understand it all, but I knew this: I was hungry for what they had. And when they passed the bread and the cup, and someone whispered, “This is for you, too,” I wept inside...

I wasn’t an outsider anymore. Somehow, through Christ… I was family.

Walls Come Down in the Body of Christ

in Ephesians 2:14–16, describing the deep divide that once separated Jews and Gentiles—there was a real divide… It was real, physical, and spiritual.

Ephesians 2:14 ESV

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

The early church lived out their faith in a hostile world filled with political persecution, religious opposition, and cultural rejection. Declaring Jesus as Lord often meant imprisonment, loss of income, or even death, yet believers remained bold, unified, and joyfully obedient. Despite hardship, they gathered in homes, shared everything, and continued preaching the gospel with power and love. Their unwavering commitment, fueled by the Holy Spirit, became a living witness that Jesus is alive and worth it all.

This is a mystery...wow!

Turn Back to Ephesians...the last part.

Ephesians 3 ESV

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Mind blown.

I don’t get it… but I just bow… along with those angels, and the seraphim… I bow in worship.

What’s God want for us today?

To bow before the throne.

To dwell

To be strengthened

To richly know.

God you can do more than I ever could’ve imagined...

To Him be Glory!

It sounds like you’ve been talking about the global church...

Well I have… but really.

The Local Church Mirrors the Global Church

Well it’s a mirror of the global church- BOTH visible and invisible...

Like the global church we:

WE HERE AT YBMC -

THIS MORNING WE Are many members. THIS MORNING WE TOO all come in from varying walks. WE TOO ARE JEW AND GENTILE IN A SENSE

WE TOO HAVE Different jobs

WE HAVE Different backgrounds, etc.

TODAY We Exist to show off the “Mystery” of the church.

Welcome Home… to the Family

To the degree “God works “THROUGH” or “BY” the church”… will be to the degree God gets glory… and the angelic beings take notice.

This underscores why the church is important.

People say I don’t have to be in church to be a christian...

wait. I said that wrong. I don’t have to be apart of the family of God to be a Christian.

Joined where they gather, involved, participating… Whether the church is gathering in a home, or a bildling, or a statium.

One of the ways God works through the church.. is by putting us in a FAMILY.

There’s beauty but there’s also power in it!

Ephesians 3:6 ESV

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Whenever your removed from the body… your removed from the promises and the family of God.

So once you say I don’t want ot be connected with the “family”… you’ve insulted the Father.

God doesn’t have one kid and your it.

There are many things many “one anothers”.. in scritpure.

There are certain things God won’t do for you… apart from … the family of God.

YBMC Church

This GATHERING - wherever we gather is for YOU.

You can get as much or as little out of it as you want.

Other “Church functions” or “Gatherings” - wherever the ekklesia meets.

Two or three...

You can get as much or as little out of it as you want.

We need the Family, the body, the unity found in Christ.

We need these come togethether under one parsonage roof moments...

What’s my purpose in the church?

Time Talent Treasure

1. Desires in Our Heart (Passion)

God often stirs our hearts with holy desires—a burden, a passion, or a sense of calling.

Example: Sarah has always felt a deep compassion for the lonely and hurting. She doesn't know why, but her heart breaks when she sees people sitting alone or struggling silently. She starts a ministry to visit shut-ins, write notes of encouragement, and organize church prayer walks. Her heart’s desire leads her to glorify God by loving the overlooked, just like Christ.

What are the passions in your heart… and the needs you see in the world or maybe here in the chruch.

Maybe God is calling YOU to meet those needs.

🔹 2. Gifts in Our Hand (Talents/Abilities)

God gives each believer gifts and skills or gifts of finance—practical, creative, relational, or spiritual—that can be used to build up the body.

Example: Marcus is great with technology—he’s not a preacher or a teacher, and he’s young and he’s learning how to set up and handle a sound system. He uses this gift to support worship services. His hands glorify God by helping with the Church’s mission.

What would you say is a gift in your hand?

Do you know?

Some of you may be good at writing cards. - Pat doing Bday Cards

Some are good with their hands - mike on HVAC

🔹 3. Knowledge in Our Head (Wisdom/Understanding)

God equips us with knowledge and understanding—of Scripture, people, culture, or leadership—to teach, disciple, or counsel.

Example: John loves budgeting, and helping families and people say he’s good at it! So he starts a Budgeting class at work becaues he knows families bottom lines are tight right now and they need help finacially. John can’t give but he does have time and begins investing in the families in his church and community through a once a month budget talk.

Some are called to be Dr.’s - I am not one of them. But we need those people.

Humble but smart talented people...

Maybe you love to read and study… God needs you to break open truths

Conclusion

Paul taught that the local church glorifies God by being a unified, Spirit-filled, grace-driven community that lives out the gospel in everyday life.

The local body is important… Don’t neglect the assemblying of yourselfs as the body of Christ.

This mystery is great - God wants to use us in

Next week I may look at the invidiual church - or may dive more into the local church...

There are church gatherings making a difference! God help us to glorify him

1.

2. Small Appalachian Church Eliminates $3 Million in Medical Debt

Church: Riverview Baptist Church, Ripplemead, Virginia Attendance: ~80 What Happened: Inspired by a sermon on radical generosity, the church raised $15,000 and partnered with RIP Medical Debt (a nonprofit). Their donation wiped out over $3 million in medical debt for hundreds of families in their region—especially targeting rural, low-income households. Impact: Many recipients wrote letters to the church, overwhelmed with gratitude. A few visited the church, and local media covered the story. The community saw that Jesus cares about real burdens—financial, physical, and spiritual. Takeaway: A tiny congregation trusted God and made a huge difference with what they had.

I’m not sure what Gods full picture is for York but I know this...

God wants to use is where we are.

To make a difference.

We are unique… we have different backgrounds.

Mike - mechanice and maintenance guy

Patric - retired

lucy - retired with grandids

Pat Godfrey - retired with grandkids

Robles family - raising your family to love and serve Jesus - in this busy and crazy season.

My family.

Mom and dad with business and food pantry

Katie and Jomaliar and ??? various onese in the college stage.

Ephesians 3 ESV

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

To him be the glory.

This week -

Think about the

DESIRES

GIFTS

KNOWLEDGE

Story

Country Church in Texas Opens Its Doors During a Blizzard

Church: First Baptist Church of Dimmitt, Texas Attendance: ~60 What Happened: During a deadly snowstorm in 2021, this small rural church opened its doors to stranded travelers and local families without heat or electricity. They turned their fellowship hall into a shelter, cooked meals from pantry staples, and offered blankets, prayer, and warmth. Impact: People who hadn’t set foot in church in years came, found care and community, and many came back for services later. One man gave his life to Christ after seeing the love of the church during that weekend. Takeaway: They didn’t have fancy programs, but they had love, readiness, and hospitality.

God wants us to be a local church that’s ready - ready for what God has.

God will get the glory!