THE CHURCH
Ephesians 2:13-22
August 3, 1997

INTRODUCTION

a. Today I am beginning a series of sermons called "Your Church Home"

b. In the next few weeks I will be preaching on this topic.

c. Think for a moment about the church you grew up in - Is it where you are worshipping regularly today - Think also about the church you worship in now

d. Is there a difference between your Home Church and your Church Home

1. Yes there is - Let me illustrate it this way - Nearly every time I visit my mom and the time comes for me to leave - If I say, "Mom, it's time for me to go home." She replies, "Son, you are already home." I then say, Well, I have to go to the place where I live with my family."
I. CONTEMPORARY VIEWS OF THE CHURCH

a. Dick Halverson, the Chaplain of the Senate, notes:

In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise.

1. Many look at the church and think it only exists to get money and to become major corporations -

2. This is supported by the those on radio and TV who spend the majority of their time raising money

b. Some see the church as an AGENT of Social and Welfare Change and implementation
1. Because of our mandate to help the poor, sick, and needy some have made this the sole emphasis of the church

2. Gov. Underwood has called on the church to take a larger role in assistance of families in need

c. Others see the church as a Gathering of Respectable People who do good.

II. BIBLICAL PICTURES OF THE CHURCH

a. Look at the scripture we read earlier - In verses 19-22 we are given six pictures of the church - Let me briefly list them for you

1. Picture 1: a new nation (v.19).
a. No longer strangers and aliens to each other by are now a nation - equal citizens in the kingdom of God - all regardless of race nationality or economic station in life
2. Picture 2: God's family (v.19).
a. Members of the household of God - Blood relatives of each other - Brothers and Sisters with Christ as the head - We live and act as family - we help and love and support
3. Picture 3: God's building (v.20).
a. It is being built by God's design and in His time

b. Jesus is the cornerstone - all else take their lines and character from the cornerstone

4. Picture 4: a growing organism (v.21).
a. Not a static or stagnant body but one of vitality and growth

b. It has purpose and rises to it - if not growing - not the church

5. Picture 5: a world-wide temple—the universal church (v.21).
a. The sum of all Christians around the world - A Temple without walls

b. The gathering of His Body regardless of denomination

6. Picture 6: a local temple—the local church (v.22)
a. The gathering of a community group for ministry in a given locale - ie. FBC or Christ Methodist etc.
b. Charles Colson - Biblically the church is an organism not an organization—a movement, not a monument. It is not a part of the community; it is a whole new community. It is not an orderly gathering; it is a new order with new values, often in sharp conflict with the values of the surrounding society.

c. How do you view the church and "Your Church Home"

d. Jesus viewed our unity as important - think for a moment about the meaning of that last meal the disciples had with Him

1. It was there that He showed them the importance of "Church" 2. Hear again what He said
SHARE THE BREAD

SHARE THE CUP

The church is not:

* An ark for the saving of a select few.

* A ferryboat to take effortless passengers to the shores of heaven.

* A life insurance company, with no obligation on policy holders except the payment of a small annual premium.

* A social set, welcoming certain people and excluding others from its fellowship.

* A Sunday pleasure club for the providing of pleasant occupation on the day of rest.

The church is:

* A lifeboat for the rescue of sin-wrecked and perishing souls.

* A family, in which love and service are expected from each member to each member.

* An organized community, with constant activities and continual growth and development.

* A company of believers who have found the one way of life and obey the one Lord of life.

* A union of those who love for the benefit of those who suffer.

* A center of social worship, in which the spiritual life of each is helped by the spiritual life of his fellow.

* The representative -- the "body" -- of Jesus Christ on the earth, reflecting his spirit and controlled by his will.

BOW IN PRAYER

Prayer of Decision

HYMN # 125 "HAVE THINE OWN WAY LORD"