5 Day Sermon Devotional Sunday Series - Part 7: The Church

March 3, 2025

The Church is a Team & Family

• Matthew 16:18

• 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Devotional Thought:

Jesus declares in Matthew 16:18 that He will build His church, and nothing will prevail against it. The church is not a building but a group of people united in faith. Just as a sports team requires different players working together, the church consists of many members with unique roles, all contributing to the mission of Christ.

Reflection Question:

What role has God given you in His church, and how can you contribute to its mission?

March 4, 2025

The Universal and Local Church

• 1 Corinthians 1:2

• Galatians 1:2

• Ephesians 1:1

Devotional Thought:

The Bible teaches that all believers worldwide form the Universal Church, but God also calls us to be part of a local church. Local churches serve as places of worship, fellowship, and service. Being active in a local church allows us to grow spiritually and support one another in faith.

Reflection Question:

How are you engaging with your local church, and how can you be more involved?

March 5, 2025

Finding Your Place in the Church

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Devotional Thought:

Each member of the church has a purpose. Just as a body needs different parts to function, the church needs each believer to use their God-given gifts. No role is insignificant; every act of service contributes to the growth of God’s kingdom.

Reflection Question:

What gifts or talents has God given you, and how can you use them to serve His church?

March 6, 2025

Supporting the Church

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

• Romans 12:13

Devotional Thought:

the church goes beyond financial giving; it includes giving our time, prayers, and talents. Cheerful giving reflects our trust in God’s provision and allows the church to carry out its mission effectively. Generosity is an act of worship that blesses both the giver and the receiver.

Reflection Question:

In what ways can you be more intentional about supporting your church?

March 7, 2025

Participating in the Life of the Church

• Acts 2:42-47

• Hebrews 10:24-25

Devotional Thought:

The early church thrived through fellowship, worship, and shared lives. God designed the church to be a community where believers encourage and strengthen one another. Being active in church life leads to personal growth and a deeper sense of belonging.

Reflection Question:

What steps can you take to build stronger relationships within your church community?

5 Expectations to have from our Local Church

• This church is a place to gather weekly where we can worship together…BUT It’s up to you whether you will experience the presence of God. John 4:24 says, “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

• This church is a family that you can belong to…BUT it’s up to you to develop friendships. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

• This church is a place where we will explain the Bible and how you can apply it to your life…BUT it’s up to you to align our life with God’s truth. James 1:22 says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

• This church is a place where you can use your gifts, passion, skills, personality, and life experiences to serve…BUT it’s up to you to become a servant. Matthew 20:28 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

• This church is a place where you have the chance to change the world by fulfilling the Great Commission…BUT it’s up to you to actually become a person of impact. Romans 10:14 says, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”