AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5.23-27

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

Why The Church?

 Introduction:

1. “In order to be a Christian, do I have to be a member of the church?” This is much like asking, “In order to be a human, do I have to be a member of the human race?”
2. Interestingly, one is born into both. (Cf., John 3.3-7)
3. The very fact that Christ died for the church and purchased it with His own blood is reason enough to acknowledge its essential nature. (Eph. 5.25; Acts 20.28)
4. So, Why The Church?

IT IS GOD’S “CALLED OUT” PEOPLE

1. What is the “church”? [ekklesia: “the called out” (n); but more accurately it is an “assembly.” Used 115x in the N.T.]
2. The church is comprised of people who accepted the gospel call out of sin. (Rom. 1.16-17; 2 Thess. 2.13-14; 1 Pet. 2.9)
3. What did they do? (Acts 2.37-41, 47)
4. “Called into the fellowship of His Son…” (1 Cor. 1.9).

IT IS CHRIST’S SAVED BODY

1. The compatible terms: “church” & “body” (Eph. 1.22-23; Col. 1.18,24). The body is the church; the church is the body.
2. Christ is the Savior of the body. (Eph. 5.23; cf., Acts 20.28)
3. Are you a working part of Christ’s body?

IT IS CHRIST’S GLORIOUS BRIDE

1. The church is the bride of Christ, and Christ is the Groom. (Eph. 5.23-25; Rev. 21.2, 9) How important is faithfulness?
2. Common prophetic language. (Jer. 3.14; 31.32; John 3.28-29)
3. If there is no church, there is no marriage!

IT IS CHRIST’S SPIRITUAL FAMILY

1. Since there is a marriage, “family” is a beautiful metaphor in this relationship: Husband, wife, children, brothers & sisters– “brethren” (1 Pet. 1.22-23).
2. “From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named…” (Eph. 3.15; read vs. 14-21).
3. What’s your role in this family?

Conclusion: Sadly, the world has a distorted view of the church…