Advantages of The Church

Ephesians 3:10-21

Introduction • Advantages/Disadvantages

– Weighing them is a sign of wisdom

– Learning comes by decision making

The Church• Not a denomination• Not a social club• Not a mutual admiration

society

The Church• Group of Christians

– Meet together (Acts 2:47)– Organized (Philippians 1:1)– Purchased by the blood of Christ

(1 Peter 1:18, 19)

Family of God• Spiritual relationship with God

– Our Father (2 Corinthians 6:14-19)

– His household (1 Timothy 3:15)– Fellowship with Him (1 John 1:1-

9)

Family of God• Fellowship with brothers and

sisters– A “replacement” family for some

(Matthew 19:29, 30)– Early Christians (Acts 2:42)– Demonstration of God’s love

(1 John 3:1-3)

Place To Belong• A need to “belong”

– Clubs, societies, etc.– Great lengths to join– Work and play together

Place To Belong• Advantage of the church

– Work together (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

– Growth and encouragement (Ephesians 4:11-16)

– Shared blessings (Romans 15:25-27)

– Shared time (Acts 2:46)

Place of Equality• Inequality in the world

– Racial prejudice and bigotry– Conflict of rich and poor

Place of Equality• Church a place of equality

– No racial or class distinctions (Galatians 3:26-29; James 2:1-9)

– No special clergy (Matthew 23:8-12)

– Baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13, 25)

– Assigned roles (1 Timothy 2:8-12)

Encouragement and Edification• Sharing mutual problems and

joys– Organizations like AA– Pep rallies for sporting events

Encouragement and Edification• Church a means of spiritual

support– Intends for us to assemble

(Acts 2:42; 4:23; 11:26; 15:30; 18:22)

– Commanded (Hebrews 10:24, 25)– Responsibilities and privileges

(Romans 12:9-15; Galatians 6:2)– Help for all (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Conclusion • Church designed to meet our

needs• One to receive the glory• Are you a part of the church?