I Believe in the Church
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I Believe in the Church
1. What You Believe Drives What You Do
What you believe matters because it becomes the fuel that drives what you do. This applies to every area of life, including how we view and engage with the Church. If your belief about the Church is that it's unnecessary or just optional, that belief will impact your attendance, engagement, and transformation within the body of Christ. But if you believe it is essential to your walk with Jesus, your actions will reflect that.
2. Defining the True Church
We believe that the true Church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. This Church is not limited to a specific building or location. It is the global body of believers—those who have received salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. The true Church is characterized by:
Justification by God's grace
Salvation through faith alone
The exclusive work and person of Christ
Romans 3:23-24 and Galatians 2:16 make it clear that justification comes by grace and faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is a gift, not something we earn.
3. United by the Holy Spirit
The Church is united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the head. This unity transcends ethnicity, status, or background. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 and Ephesians 4 highlight the Spirit’s role in creating this unity and bond of peace. It is a unity empowered by the Spirit, not achieved through human effort.
Christ is the head of the Church. Colossians 1:15-18 emphasizes His supremacy: all things were created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together. Jesus is the source, the sustainer, and the sovereign authority over the Church.
4. Manifested in Local Churches
The true Church is manifested in local churches whose membership should be composed only of believers. Anyone can attend, but membership is for those who affirm faith in Christ and agree with the statement of faith. Membership is a public declaration that you belong to this body of believers, and it involves commitment to community, accountability, and service.
5. Practicing the Ordinances
Jesus commanded two ordinances: baptism and the Lord's Supper. These practices visibly and tangibly express the gospel.
Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Matthew 28:19).
The Lord's Supper is a regular remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
These ordinances do not save us, but when celebrated in genuine faith, they confirm and nourish the believer. They are acts of obedience and worship.
6. So What? Practical Implications
Step One: Put Your Faith in Jesus
None of this matters without personal faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is found in Christ alone. If you haven’t taken that step, that is the essential first move.
Step Two: Come to Church
Worship regularly. Make church a habit. Prioritize being in the presence of God’s people. Your attendance encourages others and helps establish a rhythm of spiritual health.
Step Three: Engage in Church
Go deeper than attendance:
Get in a group
Develop spiritual friendships
Become a church member
Serve using your God-given gifts
Engagement requires vulnerability. As Tim Keller said, "To be fully known and truly loved is well, a lot like being loved by God." That’s the kind of community we seek to create.
Step Four: Be Transformed in Community
Faith in Jesus is personal but not private. The deepest transformation happens in the context of gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered, honest community. We need each other for encouragement, correction, growth, and celebration.
Conclusion
The Church is God’s good design for His people. We are justified by grace, united by the Spirit, led by Christ, committed in community, and transformed together. Come. Engage. Be transformed.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Ben Marshall
Series: I Believe
Sermon Title: I Believe in the Church
Date: Jun 1, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Romans 3:23–24
Galatians 2:16
Ephesians 2:8–9
Acts 4:12
John 14:6
1 Corinthians 12:12–13
Ephesians 4:1–3, 15–16
Colossians 1:15–18
Matthew 28:19
1 Corinthians 11:23–26
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