Embracing Community: The Vital Role of the Church
Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Houston explores the significance of belonging to a church community, using the 316 series as a foundation. He begins by addressing the misconception that one can be a Christian without attending church, using 1 Corinthians 316 as a reference. He emphasizes that Christ cannot be separated from His family, the church, and that the verse refers to the body of believers rather than just physical health. He then outlines five key elements that contribute to a healthy church: prioritizing God, clinging to hope in Christ Jesus, motivating and encouraging one another, fellowship and eating together, and supporting each other in times of struggle.
The pastor further elaborates on the importance of the church as a body of believers who use their unique skills and gifts to serve God. He underscores the church's role in setting the direction and temperature of a community, rather than simply reflecting it. He acknowledges the influence of popular figures like Oprah, who have reached more people and had a greater impact than many pastors, emphasizing the need for the church to take its message seriously. He also highlights the church as a welcoming and accepting community, where everyone is embraced regardless of their appearance or background.
Pastor Houston also expresses gratitude for the warm welcome and sense of family within the church community. He emphasizes the importance of Jesus Christ's presence when believers gather together and the honor and glory that should be given to Him. He also addresses first-time guests, inviting them to a back table to receive a special gift as a token of appreciation for attending. This gesture also provides an opportunity for the church to connect names with faces and welcome these guests into their family.
The pastor emphasizes the importance of finding new individuals to bring into the church family and introduce to Christ for the sake of their eternal salvation. He cites a report from Time Magazine that highlights the positive effects of religion on individuals, such as higher survival rates for heart surgery patients who draw comfort from their faith, lower blood pressure for church attendees, and less depression among those with religious faith. He concludes by referencing Romans, which emphasizes that each member of the church has different gifts and functions, and encourages everyone to use their gifts to serve and support one another in the church.
Finally, the pastor shares a personal anecdote about his youth group, which was like a gang, and how being part of that group gave them a sense of purpose and acceptance. He highlights that belonging to a church is not just about being part of a community, but also about being a witness to the world. He mentions the negative example of the Westboro Baptist Church and encourages the congregation to consider what people think about their church based on their representation. He also emphasizes the role of accountability within the church, explaining that it is about building each other up and supporting one another.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is not just a building but a community of believers who prioritize God, cling to hope in Christ Jesus, motivate and encourage one another, fellowship and eat together, and support each other in times of struggle ([12:45]).
- The church plays a significant role in setting the direction and temperature of a community, rather than simply reflecting it. It is a welcoming and accepting community where everyone is embraced regardless of their appearance or background ([22:30]).
- The presence of Jesus Christ when believers gather together is of utmost importance, and honor and glory should be given to Him. The church should also make an effort to welcome first-time guests and make them feel part of the family ([32:15]).
- The positive effects of religion on individuals are numerous, including higher survival rates for heart surgery patients who draw comfort from their faith, lower blood pressure for church attendees, and less depression among those with religious faith. Each member of the church has different gifts and functions, and everyone is encouraged to use their gifts to serve and support one another in the church ([42:00]).
- Belonging to a church is not just about being part of a community, but also about being a witness to the world. The role of accountability within the church is about building each other up and supporting one another ([52:30]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. 1 Corinthians 3:16: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"
3. Romans 12:4-8: "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Observation Questions:
1. What does John 3:16 reveal about God's love and the promise He gives to those who believe in His Son?
2. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, what does it mean that believers are God's temple and His Spirit dwells within them?
3. According to Romans 12:4-8, how does the body of Christ function and what role do individual gifts play in this?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise in John 3:16 shape our understanding of the significance of faith in Jesus Christ?
2. How does the concept of believers being God's temple, as stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16, influence our understanding of the church community?
3. In Romans 12:4-8, how does the diversity of gifts among believers contribute to the functioning of the church as a body?
Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on John 3:16, how can you share the love of God and the promise of eternal life with someone in your life this week?
2. Considering 1 Corinthians 3:16, what is one way you can honor your body as God's temple in your daily routine?
3. Based on Romans 12:4-8, identify your spiritual gift. How can you use this gift to serve and support others in your church community this week?
4. Think of a person in your church community who might be struggling. How can you offer them support or encouragement today?
5. Reflect on the role of the church in setting the direction of the community. What is one action you can take this week to positively influence your community?
Devotional
Day 1: The Church: A Community of Believers
The church is not just a physical building, but a community of believers who prioritize God, cling to hope in Christ Jesus, motivate and encourage one another, fellowship and eat together, and support each other in times of struggle ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sIkDfWTsM&t=750s)). This community is a reflection of Christ's love and unity, where each member plays a vital role in serving God and each other.
1 Corinthians 12:27 - "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and growth of your church community? Can you identify a specific way to serve others in your church this week?
Day 2: The Church: A Compass for the Community
The church plays a significant role in setting the direction and temperature of a community, rather than simply reflecting it ([22:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sIkDfWTsM&t=1335s)). It is a welcoming and accepting community where everyone is embraced regardless of their appearance or background. The church should be a beacon of Christ's love and acceptance in the community.
Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: How can your church better serve as a compass for your community? What specific actions can you take to make your church more welcoming and accepting?
Day 3: The Church: A Gathering in Christ's Presence
The presence of Jesus Christ when believers gather together is of utmost importance, and honor and glory should be given to Him ([32:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sIkDfWTsM&t=1920s)). The church should also make an effort to welcome first-time guests and make them feel part of the family.
Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Reflection: How can you help foster a sense of Christ's presence in your church gatherings? Can you think of a specific way to make newcomers feel welcomed and included?
Day 4: The Church: A Place of Healing and Service
The positive effects of religion on individuals are numerous, including higher survival rates for heart surgery patients who draw comfort from their faith, lower blood pressure for church attendees, and less depression among those with religious faith ([42:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sIkDfWTsM&t=2505s)). Each member of the church has different gifts and functions, and everyone is encouraged to use their gifts to serve and support one another in the church.
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to serve others in your church and community? Can you identify a specific way to use your gifts for the benefit of others this week?
Day 5: The Church: A Witness to the World
Belonging to a church is not just about being part of a community, but also about being a witness to the world ([52:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7sIkDfWTsM&t=3135s)). The role of accountability within the church is about building each other up and supporting one another.
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can your church better serve as a witness to the world? What specific actions can you take to build up and support others in your church community?
Quotes
1. "A lot of people tell me why I worship at bed spring Baptist, which means they just sleep in on Sunday mornings. Apparently, I don't know, but there's this myth that says I can be a Christian without going to church. And there's truth to that, but you're missing the key in greeting."
2. "You can't separate Christ from his family. You can't separate church from Christ. And there's a reason why we are called to be in a church and to a body of believers like we are this morning."
3. "Why belong to a church? Why attend a church on a regular basis? Why do you call Northgate your home? Because there's key elements that the Bible teaches us about the importance of being associated with the body of believers."
4. "Their priority is God. If your church is focused on anything else, think God, you've got your priorities in the wrong place."
5. "They cling to hope. What is our hope? Our hope is in Christ Jesus. Our hope is in the salvation that awaits for us."
6. "They encouraged one another. They encouraged one another. And that's the important thing here is that we be a place where we can encourage each other, lift each other up."
7. "The church is the only organization committed to addressing the ultimate issues of time and eternity. This is the only organization God created to be put on earth to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ."
8. "The church should be more of the thermostat than the thermometer of a community. We should be the thermostat setting the temperature so that the rest of the community reflects that."
9. "A church should be a community, a place where you are accepted, where you come in and you are welcomed. We should be a place where everybody is welcomed. It doesn't matter what your hair color is. It doesn't matter if you're a Raiders fan. You should be welcomed and accepted here."
10. "Accountability and the Bible is all about building each other up, encouraging each other, strengthening each other. When you're going through a hard time, it's your church that comes alongside you and supports you."
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