EVERYONE NEEDS A PLACE TO BELONG

Text:       1 Timothy 3:15

Thesis:  “Our Church Can Be Your Home”

I. God has not only called you to believe but to belong to his family.

A.      Through Jesus Christ you were given the “right to become

children of God.” John 1:12

B.      God states, “You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens

with God’s people and members of God’s household.” Ephesians 2:19

“We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship and formed

for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purpose by ourselves.”

(Purpose Driven Life, page 130)

C.     We will be together for all eternity.

II. The Church is the body of Christ comprised of many members.

“As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

I Corinthians 12:20-21

A.      The Church is not a building.

B.      The Church is a living organism and not an institution.

1.      Each member draws life from the body.

2.      The whole church body suffers when the smallest part

        suffers.

III. Jesus said, “I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not

prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

A.      God has created a Church that is alive, indestructible, and

eternal.

1.      The Church is filled with the Spirit of God.

2.      The Church is protected by God.

3.      The Church will live forever.

B.      Jesus will return for his bride.

1.      Do not talk bad about the bride.

2.      Be a member, ready and waiting for Jesus’ return.