Unless we exchange our culturally-informed understanding of church for a biblical one, then we will never experience the real perks of committed membership in a local church. So what does the Bible say about church membership? And what are those perks of which we speak? That’s what we’re going to look at today, and it should leave a lasting impression on all of us. Christ wants us to experience the perks of membership in His Body, and we do that by becoming committed members of a local church. Only then can we experience the perks of shepherding, sanctification, and service.
"The Works of a Church" (Series: Better Be The Church)
As Christians, we have been called to glorify God through certain works, so let’s get to work, trusting that God will empower us to pursue that purpose. There are different ways to articulate the works of the church which bring glory to God. Today, we’re using the three-fold approach developed by Dr. Michael Svigel. These three works of the church are evangelism, edification, and exaltation.
"The Marks of a Church" (Series: Better Be The Church)
We cannot afford to be confused about what constitutes a local church. Participation in anything less than an authentic New Testament church can only lead to problems for ourselves and others. It’s impossible to better be the church that Christ desires if we’re not even members of a legitimate local church. So then, what should we look for in a local church? An authentic New Testament church is marked by at least three core components: orthodoxy, order, and the ordinances.
"The Nature of the Church" (Series: Better Be The Church)
If we think of church as a steepled building, or a business, or a service or program, or a marketplace of spiritual goods and services, then we have lost our ecclesiological map, and we’re in trouble, whether or not we realize it. But, we can always turn back to the simplicity of God’s Word for a refresher course in Church 101. And by God’s grace that’s exactly what we’re going to do over these next four weeks. Our challenge is to better BE the church that Christ desires. In order to meet this challenge, we must begin with a basic question: What is the Church? Today, we’re going to look at the nature of the Church through three lenses: definitions, descriptions, and depictions of the Church in Scripture.
