Why Church?

Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

The Problem: WE GO TO CHURCH

WHAT HOW WHY “Church” in the Bible is “ekklesia.” An “ekklesia” was an assembly or gathering of the members of a group.

Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

The church is built by Jesus WHAT HOW WHY The church is built by Jesus

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.

Ephesians 2:20-22 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

Ephesians 2:20-22 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.

Ephesians 2:20-22 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

The church is a people, not a building. WHAT HOW WHY The church is a people, not a building.

The Problem: WE GO TO CHURCH

The Solution: WE ARE THE CHURCH

We don't go to church we gather as the church.

How can we be the church?

Worship Practice communion together (1 Corinthians 11:23–26) Sing together (Ephesians 5:19) Thank God together (Ephesians 5:20) Pray together (Acts 2:42, Matthew 18:20)

Share Make new disciples and baptize them (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:15) Send out missionaries (Acts 13:2-3)

Grow Equip believers to do ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12) Teach and counsel each other (Colossians 3:16-17) Teach biblical truth to people who will teach other people (2 Timothy 2:2)

Connect Keep each other accountable (Matthew 18:17) Live in community and share meals together (Acts 2:42) Share each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2)

Connect Pray for each other (James 5:16) Love each other (John 15:12, 1 Peter 4:8) Encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Serve Use our gifts to benefit others (1 Corinthians 12:7) Care for the needy (James 1:27) Share resources with whoever has need (Acts 2:44-45)

Serve Be hospitable with each other (1 Peter 4:9) Be stewards of God's grace in this world (1 Peter 4:10)

How to be the church: WORSHIP SHARE GROW CONNECT SERVE

The evidence that the church is real is more about what happens out there then what happens in here.

Why gather as a church?

Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

The church is the people of God engaged in the mission of God together.