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The Discipline of Community: The Essential Act of Showing Up. Hebrews 10:25. “Church” vs “church”. The “Church” is the universal body of believers united in Christ through time and space: The holy catholic and apostolic Church
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The Discipline of Community: The Essential Act of Showing Up Hebrews 10:25
“Church” vs “church” • The “Church” is the universal body of believers united in Christ through time and space: The holy catholic and apostolic Church • The “church” is the local body of believers who live out collective union with Christ in a specific place.
Review: What is a “church”? • A group of people who confess Christ as Lord • A group of people who meet regularly • A group which keeps apostolic teaching and practice • A group which practices accountability mutually and through elders • A group which meets each others’ needs • A group which seeks the kingdom together
How is the “church” important? • It is the place God’s Word flows from. • It is the sacrament center. • It is the discipline/accountability place. • It is the place where you learn to love the brethren. • It is the mechanism for pairing complementary gifts. • It is your home.
Objections to “church” • The people in church are hypocrites and/or not as serious as me. • Spiritual pride, or pride motivated by fear • I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. • “I don’t have to live with my spouse to be married.” • I was hurt in my last church. • The Christian life is not about avoiding hurt. • I don’t get anything out of church. • You’re doing it wrong.