What is the church really? Pastor Heath Lambert explains that the church isn't a building or a place - it's the blood-bought people of Jesus, both local and global, identified with Christ and accomplishing His purposes in the world. This foundational teaching clarifies what most Christians misunderstand.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction and the question
0:40 - Most Christians would stumble on this answer
1:46 - The short answer begins with Jesus
1:56 - Titus 2:14: Jesus purified a people for Himself
2:42 - The church is the people of Jesus
3:27 - The church as an organic group, not a building
3:49 - 1 Corinthians 1:2: Two ways to talk about the church
4:35 - The local church in a specific place
4:59 - The global church in every place
5:56 - The church is identified with Jesus
6:12 - Acts 9:4: Persecuting the church is persecuting Jesus
7:24 - The church as the body of Christ
7:46 - Other metaphors: Bride, vine and branches
8:24 - The church accomplishes Jesus's purposes
8:42 - Ephesians 3:10: Making God's wisdom known
9:16 - 1 Timothy 3:15: Pillar and buttress of truth
Key Topics Covered
- Common Misunderstandings - Why most Christians can't properly define the church
- Jesus as Starting Point - Titus 2:14 and the foundation of the church
- Blood-Bought People - Those redeemed from lawlessness who trust in Christ
- Not a Building - Why the church is people, not places or structures
- Two Dimensions - Local assemblies and the global body of believers
- Local Church - Believers gathering in a specific geographic location
- Global Church - All believers across the world in every place
- Identified with Christ - Acts 9:4 showing Jesus's unity with His people
- Body of Christ - The church as Christ's organism in the world
- Bride of Christ - The marriage metaphor showing intimate unity
- Vine and Branches - Jesus as source, church dependent on Him
- Accomplishing His Purposes - How Jesus works through the church today
- Pillar of Truth - The church as God's means of proclaiming truth to the world
Scripture References
Titus 2:14 - Jesus purified a people for His own possession
1 Corinthians 1:2 - The church locally and globally
Acts 9:4 - Saul persecuting Jesus by persecuting the church
Ephesians 3:10 - God's wisdom made known through the church
1 Timothy 3:15 - The church as pillar and buttress of truth
About The Ten Commandments Book
Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.
Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments
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