What does it mean to be part of a church?
Written by Ed Allen
Saturday, 21 October 2000 19:00
Ephesians: Christianity for Dummies
What does it mean to be part of a church?
Gateway is a new church. We don't have members yet. This affords us an exciting opportunity to ask this question under unusual circumstances.
There are three prevailing images of the church dominate our culture's thinking.
1. Church as institution: Some tend to think of church doing things to me or for me. I am not a participant as much as I am a recipient.
2. Church as theatre: Some tend to think of church as a performance that I go to. It may be important to me, since the performance usually makes me feel good. So I go whenever I can.
3. Church as building: Some think of church as a specific place and all that happens in that place falls under the category of church ? especially if the priest or pastor is there.
The Bible has a very different perspective.
In Ephesians 2:19-21 we find a reference to two pivotal images that are absolutely central to God's understanding of the church. These two images lead us to conclusions that have become absolutely fundamental to the church's understanding of herself for centuries. That's why this lesson is a critical part of our series on "Christianity for Dummies." Today we will look at these two images and drain two imlications from each of these images. Then from each implication we will uncover 2 or 3 actions points.
Ephesians 2:19-21
(19) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, (20) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (21) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
To be part of the church means to be fellow citizens with God's people.
There are two implications:
1. Our life together must be characterized by unity.
- We must choose to move in toward community.
- We must choose to handle conflict well.
2. Our values are determined by what God values.
- Watch your intake (TV, catalogues)
- Guard your thought life.
- Study God's heart.
Being a part of the church means that we are members of God's household.
There are two implications:
1. We are part of God's family.
- Religion not ritual, religion is relationship
- Learn to talk to God.
- Learn to hear from God.
2. We must live by God's rules.
- Stop disobeying.
- Get to know God's standards.
Being part of the church means that we are:
- Fellow citizens with God's people.
- Members of God's household
- Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.