Messages with Meaning


Sermons delivered at Sanlando Springs by Pastor Jack Parrott

Benefits of Belonging

Ephesians 2:19-22
Presented June 8, 2008, © Dr. Jack Parrott
I. Introduction

  1. Every group or vendor who wants you to become a member or buy their product provides you with a list of benefits. The auto club regularly tells me the benefits of membership.
  2. We know there are benefits to being a follower of Jesus Christ (eternal life, peace with God, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc.), but what about the church? Are there are any benefits to belonging to the church?
    1. Alan Hirsch: "A major challenge [facing modern day Christianity] is the public image of the organized church."
    2. According to some reports, 60-80% of the US population is not in church on Sunday.
    3. Is it that some people don't see the benefit of being part of a local group of believers?
II. What are some basic beliefs about the church?
  1. What is the church?
    1. More than an institution, club or organization... it is the body of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 12:27.
    2. It is also called the family of God. Just like any family, you have your immediate family, extended family, and ancestral family scattered across continents. There are believers throughout the world, but we recognize in the New Testament the word 'church' refers to local groups of Christians.
  2. Who is the head of the church?
    1. The head of the church is Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone. Jesus said, "I will build my church..." (Matthew 16.18)
    2. We are mistaken to see the head of the church as anyone else. The head of the church, whether we're talking universal or local, is not the pastor or the deacons or even the women's group! Jesus is the founder and CEO of the New Testament church.
  3. Who are the members of the church?
    The church is made up of BELIEVERS; that's everyone who has heard the call of God in Jesus Christ and responded in faith. See Acts 2:44, 4:32, and 5:14. In Acts 8:12 something else was added to marking believers for membership: baptism. The church is comprised of baptized believers.
  4. What does a church do?
    Sanlando has four ministry priorities: Exalt God in everything we do, Evangelize people everywhere we go, Equip believers through teaching and training, and Empower ministry by groups and individuals.
III. What are some benefits of belonging to a church?
  1. Identifies me with Jesus Christ.
    1. In Acts 11:26 the disciples are called Christians
    2. Being a believer is a personal matter, but it is not private. We publicly express of faith. We sometimes refer to your "pubic profession of faith" as the time when a person expresses their commitment before other Christians in a worships service.
  2. Gives me support. I am part of the family of God.
    1. Ephesians 2:19 says we are members of God's family.

      2. In Acts 2.42 ‘they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship (koinonia).... Another word for fellowship is relationship.
    2. The term "brothers" or "brethren" point to the spiritual reality that we are joined together by the Spirit of God. We have been born again into a new family, the family of God.
    3. As a part of this community, we are never alone. Not only is there God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but I have 2.2 billion brothers and sisters throughout the world!
  3. Gives me a place to develop and grow.
    The church is a place for birth, beliefs, and behavior. It encourages spiritual birth, builds Christian beliefs, and strengthens godly behavior.
  4. Holds me accountable.
    Everyone is ultimately accountable to God, but also we are to hold one another accountable as Christians: see Hebrews 10:24-25.
  5. Gives me guidance.
    1. Pastors and teachers have the responsibility of 'shepherding' (guiding) believers and the church body.
    2. Not only do we have the guide book, the Bible, but the Holy Spirit provides guidance to us as believers. Of course, like any other counsel, we must listen to the direction provided.
  6. Allows me to 'give back' by serving.
    Christians and the Christian community are on mission for Christ in the world. We have the ministry of reconciliation and transformation. See 1 Corinthians 12:7.
  7. Provides me with an inheritance.
    The church of Jesus Christ is the only community that will survive the end of the world. God is preparing a new world in eternity for His people.

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