Friday First - What is the Church?

We live during a time where it feels like the importance of the church is diminishing. Today, over half of all Americans do not associate with any church. The trend does not appear to be slowing in any way. There are 156 million people in our nation who are “unchurched.” Yet, 2 out of 3 of those who call themselves unchurched say they are spiritual, i.e., they read their bible and pray often. They often seek spiritual guidance from friends or family. You might hear them proclaim, who needs the church when you have Jesus?

While that bit of human wisdom may sound good, it is blatantly false. If you neglect the church, you neglect Jesus. Jesus is inseparably connected to his church, Ephesians 1.22-23. When you get him, you get his people. What a blessing that is, imperfect as they are, to receive fellow brethren as family, who have been called to encourage you along the way toward heaven.

On Sunday we will stress the importance of the church. God built it. Christ established it, and he also died for it. God has rescued us from the oppression, brutality, and slavery of Satan and sin. He is serious about bringing his people near to Him.

On Sunday we will:

• Properly define the church by looking at what it is and what it is not.
• Emphasize why we need to be part of a local church.

As you prepare for worship, please think about these questions.

1. What was God's aim or purpose in creating the church?
2. How did Paul change the connotation of the word ekklēsia?
3. What does it mean to you to be a part of the household of God?
4. Why should we get away from associating the church with a building?
5. Who is someone in the church that you can encourage today?

THOSE SERVING:
OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Russ Robins

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Ben Baker

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Boyd Hastings
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Dan Dekoski
Ephesians 1.22-23

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
Billy Robbins

CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Tricia Spargo / Judy Hickey

USHERS
Kevin Elkins / Kevin Shanesy

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Shane McLaughlin