The Purpose of a Church – Why Join a Church?

January 6, 2019 |
Passage: Ephesians 3:10 | Series: | Topic: ,

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Text: Ephesians 3:10

  1. Why is the Church Important?
    • The ultimate purpose of the church is the glory of God.
      • Exodus 19:4-6
      • Ezekiel 36:22-28
      • Ephesians 1:3-8
      • 1 Peter 2:9-10
    • The church is God's chosen means for carrying out His purposes until He returns. He has ordained no other organization or structure for this purpose.
      • Matthew 16:18
      • 1 Timothy 3:15
  2. The Purpose of the Church in the Book of Ephesians
    • Ephesians 2:4-5
    • Ephesians 3:6
    • Ephesians 3:10
    • John 13:34-35
  3. A Biblical Case for Church Membership
    • Love One Another. 
      • 1 Peter 2:17
      • Galatians 6:10
      • Romans 15:1
      • Romans 12:13, 15
    • Encourage One Another.
      • 1 Thessalonians 5:11
      • Hebrews 10:24-25
    • Guard One Another. 
      • Hebrews 12:15-16
      • 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
    • Obey Your Leaders.
      • Hebrews 13:17

Putting it all together:

  • It’s got to be a committed relationship.
  • It's a relationship with a defined group of people.
  • And it’s a voluntary association but one in which you’re giving these people permission to do things for you that you may not necessarily like at the time.

 

Today's Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today's sermon with a friend, what would you say? In a sentence or two, write down what you would say:

Discussion Questions: What is the church? What preconceptions might you have brought into your understanding of the church? Are those preconceptions based more on tradition, opinion, or Scripture? What are the marks of a true church (see supplemental handout), and why are they important? How does being distinctly different from the world glorify God? Why is love for one another an essential part of being the church? How does Biblical love have “staying power?” How should we encourage one another? How should we guard one another? Do I live life in such a way that displays the importance of the church? Review the three aspects of the “putting it all together” section; are you in such relationships at HBC? If not, why not? Are you a member of HBC? If not, why not?

Brian Hendry, the Lead Pastor of Providence Church, is passionate about proclaiming the glory of God in the Gospel, and faith that practically applies to all of life. Brian and his wife Lilliana have four children. He also co-founded and led a classical Christian school in San Diego for 17 years. He holds a B.A in Biblical Studies and enjoys reading, good food and coffee, sports, and travel.