Back to Church: The Value of Church

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

The church is God’s idea, birthed by Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, and indispensable for your formation, your purpose, and the flourishing of the world.

The Four Essentials of a Healthy Church:

1. Teaching
2. Fellowship
3. Meals
4. Prayer

Lies we believe:

• “I can be a Christian without the church.”
• Church is just a building.
• Church is for perfect people.
• Church is about what I get from it.
• Church is optional if I am busy.

Seven Snapshots that reveal the importance and value of Church:

1) The Church is the People of God’s Presence.

“I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18)

“You are no longer strangers, but members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19).

“In Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

…but encourage one another… (Hebrews 10:24–25)

2) The Church is a Family for Formation.

…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith… so that we may no longer be children… but rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11–15)

3) The Church is a Body where every part matters.

4) The Church is a Mission Base to the World.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses… Acts 1:8

5) The Church is a Hospital for the broken.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish” (Psalm 92:13).

6) The Church is a School of Love.

“Love one another as I have loved you. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35).

7) The Church is a Signpost of the Kingdom.

Commit to:

1. Come home.
2. Plant deep.
3. Grow strong.
4. Live sent.