The Power of The Local Church

Pastor: Jonathan Murrell

Definition of community

“A group of people having a particular characteristic in common” What are characteristics that connect you to others? That characteristic can be very broad… Or it can be more specific… It can have little consequence… Or it can be a part of your identity…

But when someone becomes a Christian. Everything changes. That characteristic takes priority. And now they get incorporated into the spiritual community: the church.

Why is the local church different from other communities?

1. God builds it

Matthew 16:18

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

The church is not a building. It’s a group of people called by God. Other communities are put together for different reasons. But the church is special because Christ builds it.

2. X-Factor Friendships

Ephesians 4:4-6

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

There is something different about the connection we have. It’s hard to explain. But there is a oneness we share with each other. Unity in beliefs and mission. We’re in the same spiritual family. Same DNA.

But the church has a way of removing those barriers to get people in community. People I would never meet and connect with in the world, I find them at church.And in a society full of lonely people looking for friendships… The church offers a community of friends that is

meaningful and diverse.

3. It’s not about you

Pew Research. 68% of church goers say they attend church to make them a better person. While that might seem virtuous… that’s not really the point of church. But what makes church different is that it’s actually not about you at all. Do we mature, grow, experience great things? Of course! But that’s not the point.

If you walk into thinking, “I better get something good. I woke up early for this!” You have the wrong attitude. Because church is not about you. Humans struggle with selfishness… I know I do. John 3:30 says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” There is a tension between us and God because of our selfishness.

Look for a church that…

1. Loves Jesus more than you.

2. The Bible is their authority, not culture.

3. Plants seeds for eternity.

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 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."

I think most Christians are well-meaning. They know it’s a biblical command. They want a community that meets regularly. They want to encourage others to serve God as we wait for Jesus’s return. But have you heard the quote, “You are what you do. Not what you say you’ll do.” Are your actions evidence of wanting to be in a church community?

Why do people neglect the church community?

1. Too busy.

2. Low priority.

The church community is taken for granted because it’s always available. And so everything that is occasional takes precedence. You stack up enough of those weekend trips, celebrations, seasonal… How much is left for your church community?

* Psalm 133:1

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!"

So if you’re a Christian and you’re not connected. What should you do? Community can be found at several levels at church. Large groups, a few people, one on ones. Every setting is valuable. But God probably wired you for one or two of them. So find what community you best fit into?

4 ways to connect to community

1. Sunday mornings

2. Volunteer

3. Small groups

4. Shared experiences outside of 2530

Psalm 133:1

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!"

If you know you’re at church. But you aren’t engaged or connected. Can you put down the temptation of distraction or indifference or busyness? And participate in the blessing and power of the local church. No one can force you… it really is between you and God. So what will you do? What does God want you to do? And will you obey Him?