What is the Church - Part 2 (How Do We Get Back?)
Episode description
“What (ACTUALLY) Is the Church?”
Big Idea: The Church is not a building, a brand, or a weekend event—it is the called-out people of God, saved by grace, gathered in Christ, and sent out for His mission.
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”
I. The Church Is a Called-Out People (Not a Place)
Key Text: Matthew 16:18 – “I will build my church (ekklesia), and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
A. Ekklesia means “called-out ones,” not a physical structure
- Greek: ek = “out of”; kaleo = “to call”
- Jesus wasn’t referring to buildings or denominations, but a community of believers
B. Old Testament Roots – God has always called out a people
- Deuteronomy 4:10 – The day of assembly (qahal) at Sinai
- Exodus 19:5-6 – “You will be my treasured possession… a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”
C. Cross References
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 – “You are a chosen people… called out of darkness into his marvelous light”
- 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Come out from them and be separate,” says the Lord
II. The Church Belongs to the Lord
Key Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
A. The word kyriakon means “belonging to the Lord”
- Though the English “church” came from this term, its emphasis is ownership, not architecture
B. Jesus is the Head of the Church
- Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the church”
- Ephesians 5:25-27 – Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her
C. Cross References
- Acts 20:28 – The church was “bought with His own blood”
- Revelation 1:5-6 – Jesus freed us by His blood and made us a kingdom and priests
III. The Church Gathers to Worship, Scatters to Witness
Key Text: Acts 2:42-47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching… and the Lord added to their number daily.”
A. The early church gathered regularly—but they were the church before they met
- Not “going to church” but being the church
- Temple courts + house to house (Acts 2:46)
B. The Church is sent into the world
- Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission
- John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”
C. Cross References
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – Do not neglect gathering
- Romans 12:4-5 – Many members, one body, each belonging to one another
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 – “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it”
IV. The Church Is a Living Body, Not a Dead Institution
Key Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (12-27) – One body, many parts
A. Every believer plays a role in the Church
- Spiritual gifts are given to build up the body (v. 7)
- No part is insignificant; every part is necessary
B. Unity in diversity
- Ephesians 4:11-13 – Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers
- Romans 12:4-8 – Different gifts, same Spirit
C. Cross References
- 1 Peter 4:10-11 – Use whatever gift you have received to serve others
- Galatians 6:10 – “Do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers”
Call to Action / Application:
- Reframe Your Language – Don’t just “go to church”—be the church.
- Reconnect with the Body – Are you meaningfully connected to the gathered people of God?
- Rediscover Your Role – What’s your place in the body? How has God gifted you to build the church?
- Reclaim the Mission – The Church is not just for insiders. Are you living as a sent one?
Gospel Realization:
Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church (Eph. 2:20). We are His people, redeemed not by our works, but by His blood. Through His death and resurrection, we are reconciled to God and to each other, becoming part of a living temple made of people, not stones.