Pastor Shannon Watterson continues on part 3 of why the Church matters. Week 1 was the harvest, Week 2 was the Heart. Today we learn the Church matters because the Church is meant to be a home.
Home: The place where we belong, are safe, known, loved no matter what, where we grow.
If all of that is true for our natural family, how much more true should that be in God's house?
When we think of the word "home", different things can come to mind. For some, it's laughter around the table. For others, it's a safe place we long for when the world feels like too much. Home is a good place for most. We love being home.
For some, home can be a painful word. Maybe home was broken, Maybe home was absent. Maybe you were never invited to feel like you belonged anywhere.
Ephesians 2:19
The context of this statement is Paul writing to a group of Gentile believers of the city of Ephesus. These were people who didn't grow up in Jewish traditions. They were outsiders of the temple, the promises, the covenant, the heritage. They had no religious pedigree. But now, because of Jesus, Paul says, they're no longer outsiders; they are family.
In the same way, we identify with the people Paul is talking to because we aren't Jewish. We are also Gentiles.
But what qualififes people who aren't under the covenant to claim this promise? Following Jesus!
- Committing to walk in His ways Luke 9:23
- Trusting His as your Savior John 3:16
- Obeying His commands John 14:15
- Listening to His Voice John 10: 27
- Walking with the Holy Spirit Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:25
Following Jesus is a daily decision to live not for your own glory, but for His purpose. What is His purpose?
Matthew 28: 19-20
If youare really following Jesus, we have this wonderful promise that we are now part of God's family.
This is revolutionary. Not only are we saved, we are placed. We are part of something bigger.
We are not just belivers in Jesus, we are brothers and sisters.
Followers of Jesus are "The Church".
The Church is a place to belong
Paul says we are memebers of God's family, not attendees at God's gathering or visiting God's building. If you are following Jesus, you belong. You're a memeber of His family.
Every human heart wants to belong. The Church- when it's healthy- is the one place where anyone, from anywherem can find true belonging.
You can't watch your way into belonging. Belonging happens when you shop up and let people in. When you ait at the table. When you bring your story, your wounds, your gifts.
That's why small groups matter. That's why I encourage people to get conncted. Sunday mornings aren't enough. We need to know each other as a community, as a spiritual home.
The Church is a place to grow
Homes aren't just places of safety, they are also a place of transformation.
Home is where growth happens, even if it's messy or loud. It's always necessary.
In the same way, the Church is where spiritual growth is meant to happen. Growth isn't always comfortable. It's not always convenient. But it's always good.
God places us in homes so we can be sharpened. Encouraged. Discipled. Corrected. Taught. Loved.
Paul goes on in Ephesians 2:20-21
We're being build together. Taht means your growth is connected to someone else's. And their growth is connected to yours. We're not meant to be spiritual freelancers.
Are you planted or just potted? Are you growing roots? Or just watching from a distance?
The church is a place t serve and to be seen.
In a healthy home it is a place where everyone works together. God has gifted every believer with something different to offer. In the church, we are not just spectators, not just servants, but sons and daughters doing their part.
Maybe your gift is hospitality, teaching, serving behind the scenes. But if you are a part of the house, then the house needs you.
When someone joins a healthy family, they don't just sit at the table, they grab a towel to clean up after eating. They look for ways to help. And in helping, they are seen. They're a part of something that matters.
We are a family, we are not perfect. But we are a people who are trying to build a table big enough for the lost, the broken, the wandering, and the returning.
If this is your house, don't just visit... belong. Grow. Serve. Invite others to do the same.
Some of us today nee to come home to Jesus and to His Church.
Some of us need to take a next step: joing a small group, start serving, get baptized.
Soemos uf need to forgive a church wound and let God restore your sense of spiritual family.
Let's respond to God in prayer, and in worship. Let's say to God "This is your house. And I'm ready to make it mine".
