1. Hebrews 10:25

2.  The “Church” is the universal body of believers united in Christ through time and space: The holy catholic and apostolic Church  The “church” is the local body of believers who live out collective union with Christ in a specific place.

3.  A group of people who confess Christ as Lord  A group of people who meet regularly  A group which keeps apostolic teaching and practice  A group which practices accountability mutually and through elders  A group which meets each others’ needs  A group which seeks the kingdom together

5.  It is the place God’s Word flows from.  It is the sacrament center.  It is the discipline/accountability place.  It is the place where you learn to love the brethren.  It is the mechanism for pairing complementary gifts.  It is your home.

6.  The people in church are hypocrites and/or not as serious as me. ◦ Spiritual pride, or pride motivated by fear  I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. ◦ “I don’t have to live with my spouse to be married.”  I was hurt in my last church. ◦ The Christian life is not about avoiding hurt.  I don’t get anything out of church. ◦ You’re doing it wrong.