This week, the message centers on the idea that "Our Church is God's Temple." The teaching explores how every believer, as part of the local church, plays a significant role in this living temple. The early church gives us an inspiring picture of what it means to be part of God’s temple, not as a building, but as a people united by faith in Christ.
The Church as a Family
Acts 2:41-47 illustrates a vibrant community where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. This passage shows how the early church embodied the concept of family. The church isn't merely a place we go; it’s who we are. We are part of a fellowship, a family where believers come together and share life.
The message challenges us to ask ourselves, “How much do we care if our church grows?” Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about commitment. If we consider New Life our church, it’s important that we invest in it as a family.
Scripture Reference:
"Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer." (Acts 2:41-42, NLT)
A Living Temple, Not a Location
The Old Testament temple was a physical location, but through Christ, we have become God’s living temple. In the Old Testament, people had to go to the temple to meet God. But Hebrews tells us that this new temple, the church, is better because God comes to us. We are His temple wherever we go.
The church is not tied to a location; it’s a movement of people. Many of us struggle with the belief that we need to change locations or circumstances to find something better, but the problem isn’t external—it’s internal. When Jesus cleared the temple of its corruption (Matthew 21:12-13), He showed us that spiritual sickness comes from a heart that hasn’t been fully surrendered to God.
Scripture Reference:
"Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, NLT)
The Church and Repentance
The message stresses that the solution to spiritual sickness is not changing locations but changing hearts. This change comes through repentance—a turning away from our way to God’s way. When we choose God’s way, we become the church. Salvation is not just personal; it’s communal. When we are saved, we are added to the body of Christ, His church.
No one in the early church was added without being saved, and no one was saved without being added to the church. Salvation and church membership go hand in hand. It’s essential to understand that while anyone is welcome to attend church, only those who are saved can be the church.
Scripture Reference:
"So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." (Ephesians 2:19-20, NLT)
The Value of the Local Church
The importance of gathering as a local body of believers cannot be overstated. In a world where online church is becoming increasingly common, we are reminded that online services are not a replacement for in-per...
