Introduction

Good morning, family! What a joy to be here with you all again. You know, as we gather here, week after week, I often find myself reflecting on the power of our shared faith and the strength of our community. We're not just a collection of individuals, but a church, bound together by our belief in the Lord and His teachings.

I recently came across a quote by the great Christian author, A.W. Tozer that just seemed to capture this idea so beautifully. He said, "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship." Isn't that just the truth? We are all tuned to the same divine standard, and that's what brings us together as a church.

The Role of the Church

When we think about the church, we often think about the physical building where we gather to worship. But the church is so much more than that. It's a community of believers, united by our shared faith in Jesus Christ. It's a place where we come together to learn, to grow, and to support one another in our spiritual journeys. It's a place where we can experience the love and grace of God in a tangible way.

The church is also a place of service. We are called to serve one another, to serve our communities, and to serve the world. This service is not just about doing good deeds, but about sharing the love of Christ with others. It's about being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, showing His love through our actions.

In the Scripture we read today, Paul refers to the church as "God's household." This is a powerful image that speaks to the close-knit community that the church is meant to be. Just as a household is a place where people live together, support one another, and share in each other's joys and sorrows, so too is the church. It's a place where we can be ourselves, where we can be accepted and loved just as we are. It's a place where we can find comfort, encouragement, and strength in times of need.

Paul also describes the church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth." This is a significant statement that speaks to the role of the church in upholding and proclaiming the truth of God's Word. The church is not just a place where we hear the Word of God, but a place where we are taught how to understand it, how to apply it in our lives, and how to share it with others. It's a place where we can grow in our knowledge and understanding of God's Word, and where we can be equipped to share that Word with others.

The church is also a place of worship. It's a place where we can come together to praise and thank God for His goodness and mercy. It's a place where we can express our love for God, and where we can experience His presence in a powerful way. Worship is not just about singing songs or saying prayers, but about expressing our love for God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Finally, the church is a place of mission. It's a place where we are sent out into the world to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It's a place where we are equipped and empowered to make a difference in the world, to bring hope and healing to those in need. It's a place where we can be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope in a world that so desperately needs it.

The Church as a Pillar

Looking at the church as a pillar, we find ourselves drawn to the imagery that Paul uses ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO