Christians in Community
Two Traits of the Local Church
Aaron Lee | February 23, 2025 | FCBCW Children’s Worship | Various Passages
Introduction
FCBC Walnut is going to celebrate our 40th anniversary next week. What is it that makes the church special from other organizations like a school or a club? What have we been doing for the past 40 years and what should we continue to keep doing? Why do we do what we do as a church?
1. Christians
The first trait is that the church consists of Christians.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)
The church is made up of Christians – those who believe in Jesus and are bought by his blood. The Bible uses the word obtained – and this is another way to say purchase or to own. If you are a believer, Jesus has bought you with his blood and you belong to him.
Application
Will you belong to Christ?
You come to church, but are you a Christian? Do you belong to Christ? This means you have to behave in a way where you know you are accountable. This also means that Jesus will take care of you.
2. Community
The second trait is that the church consists of community.
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)
The early church was supposed to meet together. The church is an assembly and a congregation of Christians meeting together.
What are we supposed to do when we meet? Broadly, we see that we are to be in community for the worship and work of God:
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Application
Will you belong to the community?
You come to church, but are you part of the community? Do you belong here? Even as children, you have different ways that you can participate in the life of the church. Engage with your Sunday School teachers, sing during the songs, listen during the sermons, and invite your friends to church.
Big Idea
The local church consists of Christians living in community for the worship and work of God.
Conclusion
What is it that makes the church special from other organizations like a school or a club? What have we been doing for the past 40 years and what should we continue to keep doing? Why do we do what we do as a church? The local church consists of Christians living in community for the worship and work of God.
References
Holy Bible ESV (Crossway)
Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion
What are some special memories that you have at our church?
Do you act in a way where people can see that you belong to Jesus?
How can you better participate in the church community?
Who can you pray for and invite to church?