Why We Need the Church

Introduction• the importance that people place on the church,

or lack thereof, is evident through their actions▫no membership, irregular attendance, little thought to

spiritual things throughout the week▫should be primary importance (Mt. 6:33)

•while materialism offers near-term gratification, the spiritual kingdom offers eternal blessings▫ (Mt. 6:19-21)(2 Pet. 3:10-12)

•what blessings does being in the church hold?

Salvation Only Found Within

Act 2:47bAnd the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

•Christ died for His church▫(Eph. 5:23-25)(Acts 20:28)

•His church is registered in Heaven▫and it is unimaginably glorious (Heb. 12:22-24)

•His church will prevail in eternity▫(Mt. 16:18)

The Church Upholds Truth

1 Tim. 3:15…but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

•it is within the church that we learn and grow▫(Eph. 4:11-16)(1 Cor. 4:17)

•doctrinal unity is found within the church▫(1 Cor. 1:10)(Acts 2:42)(1 Cor. 14:33)

Encouragement of Members

Heb. 10:24-2524 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

•within a family that will watch, protect, correct▫ (1 Thess. 5:11-15)(Heb. 3:12-13)

•prayers on behalf of one another▫ (James 5:13-16)

Conclusion•why do we need the church?

▫salvation depends on our membership/faithfulness

▫growth and unity in truth cannot exist outside▫spiritual family aiding each other in common

goal

•how do we become part of the church?▫hear/believe the gospel▫repent of our sins▫confess our faith in Christ▫be baptized