Ephesians 5:25-29
The Church is a BODY. It is a body that has parts and members.
The Church is a FAMILY. It is a place of family values.
The Church is a HOSPITAL. We find healing there.
The Church is a TEMPLE. We worship there (Heb. 2:12).
The Church is a HOUSE. God lives there (1 Tim 3:15).
The Church is a LIGHTHOUSE. It is a place from which the light shines.
The Church is a SCHOOLHOUSE. It is a place where we can learn and grow.
The human body does not exist to meet the needs of the hand.
The hand exists to meet the needs of the body and in doing so gets its own needs met
The Church (Body of Christ) does not exist to meet our needs. We exist to carry out the work of the Body and in doing so ow own needs are met.
It is tragic to think of the members that for some unknown reason are absent from this body.
Think of what could be done if all the body parts were working together.
Body can go on, it can function, but maybe not at the potential it once had when it was whole!
EACH OF THE MEMBERS NEEDS THE BODY.
Imagine an arm or leg or other body part that was detached/amputated from the body.
What happens to it? It dies.
Not all cases, but most Christian when they are not a part of a body of believers!
1 John 3:14-We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.
We naturally want to be around those we love.
John 13:34-35-A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
It’s hard to love someone when you don’t spend time with them.
We Need Each Other!
God made us that way. He said that it is not good for human beings to experience the oppressing, isolating aloneness that wounds the heart.
Genesis 2:18-It is not good for man to be alone...
None of us is as strong as all of us!
If we didn’t need the church, then why would He die for it?
Why would He nourish and cherish it?
If it wasn’t important!
Jesus died for His church (Ephesians 5:25), He is returning for His church (Ephesians 5:27).
Benefits of being members of the body.
It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage you in your walk with Christ.
It gives you a place to discover and use your gifts.
It gives you a place to share your experiences with others. . . Lessons you have learned, through Bible study, Prayer time, or Trials.
