Being the Church: Centered on Jesus and Community

Today, we gathered to reflect on what it truly means to be the church that Jesus envisioned—a community centered on Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and marked by authentic relationships and spiritual depth. We began by lifting up praise and gratitude, recognizing that our worship is not just a ritual but a heartfelt response to God’s faithfulness—past, present, and future. Through a touching story of God’s providence in a Christmas love story, we were reminded that when God is at the center, even the most unlikely circumstances become testimonies of His love and sovereignty.

Turning to Acts 2, we explored the foundational marks of the early church. The church is not simply a gathering of people or a collection of activities; it is a spiritual family birthed by the Holy Spirit, devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. We challenged the modern misconceptions of church as a social club, a set of programs, or a CEO-driven institution. Instead, the church is called to be a living, breathing community where Jesus is central, the Word is faithfully preached, worship is genuine, and every member is both cared for and called to serve.

We discussed the importance of choosing a church home wisely, as it shapes our spiritual journey, friendships, and legacy for future generations. The church is not about methods or styles, but about living out biblical principles in our unique context. We are reminded that Christianity is not a solo endeavor; we need each other to grow, to be accountable, and to fulfill God’s purposes.

Using the acronym J.E.S.U.S., we examined five essential marks: Jesus-centered Bible teaching, Emotional (authentic) worship, Saved membership (a true spiritual family), Under godly leadership, and a lifestyle of ongoing repentance from sin. Each of these is not just a checkbox, but a call to deeper engagement, humility, and transformation. We are invited to move from being spectators to active participants, discovering and using our gifts, submitting to godly authority, and walking in continual repentance and grace.

As we closed, we prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, for hearts to be stirred toward deeper commitment, and for our church to be a beacon of hope and love in a world desperate for Jesus. We were reminded that wherever we go, God is sending us, and He has a purpose for us there. May we go in His grace, open to His leading, and eager to be the church He desires.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Church Is a Spiritual Family, Not a Social Club The essence of church is not found in activities, programs, or even communal gatherings alone, but in being a spiritual family birthed by the Holy Spirit. True church life is marked by deep relationships, mutual care, and a shared pursuit of Jesus. We are called to move beyond consumerism and casual attendance, embracing the responsibility and privilege of belonging to God’s people. [49:37]
• 2. Jesus Must Remain the Center of All We Do Every aspect of our life together—teaching, worship, service—must be rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Bible is not about us, but about Him, and our preaching, worship, and community life should continually point to His glory. When Jesus is central, the church becomes a place of transformation, not just information. [67:36]
• 3. Authentic Worship Flows from Awe, Not Performance Worship is more than music or emotional highs; it is a response of awe to God’s presence and work among us. Authentic worship engages both heart and mind, leading us to gratitude, reverence, and surrender. We must guard against shallow, performance-driven worship and instead seek to encounter God together, both privately and corporately. [71:54]
• 4. Every Member Is Called to Serve and Grow The church thrives when every person discovers and uses their God-given gifts. Membership is not passive; it is a commitment to love, serve, and build up the family of God. Whether through leadership, hospitality, or practical service, each role matters, and no gift should remain dormant. God desires more for us than mere attendance—He calls us to active participation and growth. [85:55]
• 5. Ongoing Repentance Is Essential for Spiritual Health Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning toward God and away from sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us, not to shame us, but to lead us into freedom and fullness of life. We are called to examine ourselves, seek accountability, and walk in the light, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for every struggle. [87:14]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [22:27] - Praise and Thanksgiving
• [41:21] - A Christmas Love Story: God’s Providence
• [46:48] - Shoebox Ministry Update
• [48:07] - Tithes, Offerings, and Church Involvement
• [49:12] - What Is a Church?
• [50:38] - Common Misconceptions About Church
• [53:12] - The Shift in Church Culture
• [56:32] - Shepherding vs. CEO Leadership
• [58:15] - The Importance of Choosing a Church Home
• [59:08] - The New Covenant and Legacy
• [61:14] - The Lifestyle of the Early Church
• [67:05] - J.E.S.U.S.: The Marks of a True Church
• [70:27] - Authentic Worship and Its Dangers
• [75:05] - Membership as Family
• [78:48] - Godly Leadership and Calling
• [87:14] - The Ongoing Call to Repentance
• [92:37] - Responding to God’s Call
• [106:07] - Communion and Prayer
• [107:32] - Benediction and Sending
• [108:40] - Announcements and Fellowship

Bible Reading

Acts 2:38-47 (ESV) —
> 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
>
> 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 2:42, what four things did the early church devote themselves to?
2. In the sermon, what are some modern misconceptions about what church is? [[50:38]]
3. What does Peter say is the promise for those who repent and are baptized? [[59:08]]
4. What was the result of the believers’ devotion and unity in Acts 2:44-47?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the early church prioritized teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer above other activities? How might this shape our understanding of church today? [[01:01:14]]
2. The sermon described the church as a spiritual family, not a social club. What are the key differences between these two ways of thinking about church? [[49:37]]
3. The acronym J.E.S.U.S. was used to describe the marks of a true church. Which of these marks do you think is most often neglected in modern churches, and why? [[01:07:05]]
4. The pastor emphasized ongoing repentance as essential for spiritual health. Why is continual repentance important, and how does it affect our relationship with God and others? [[01:27:14]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to move beyond being spectators to active participants in church life. What is one area in our church where you feel called to serve or get more involved? What’s holding you back? [[01:25:55]]
2. Authentic worship was described as a response of awe, not performance. When you come to worship, do you find yourself more focused on the music, the people around you, or on God? What could help you engage more authentically in worship? [[01:11:54]]
3. The early church was marked by deep relationships and mutual care. Is there someone in our church family you could reach out to this week to encourage, pray for, or help in a practical way? [[01:15:05]]
4. The pastor said, “The church is not about methods or styles, but about living out biblical principles in our unique context.” Are there any traditions or preferences you hold that might be getting in the way of focusing on Jesus and loving others? [[01:03:47]]
5. Choosing a church home was described as one of the most important decisions for your spiritual journey and legacy. What factors have shaped your decision to be part of this church? Are there ways you could be more intentional about building spiritual friendships and legacy here? [[58:15]]
6. Ongoing repentance was highlighted as a continual turning toward God. Is there a specific area in your life where you sense the Holy Spirit calling you to repent or seek accountability? What step could you take this week? [[01:31:27]]
7. The pastor reminded us that “wherever you go, God is sending you.” How can you be more aware of God’s purpose for you in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week? [[01:47:32]]