In Christ, we are saved from something and into something.

Matthew 16: 13-18
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rockI will build my church, and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it.”

Who do you say I am?

The Church is called to show, tell, and demonstrate the identity of Jesus.

Ecclesia (Greek) - Church

Ecclesia = official gathering

Ecclesiology = the study of the Church

Biblical church = a gathering/community of regenerated believers who display the characteristics that accompany following Jesus.a

Hebrews 10:25
[…] 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.

The biblical Church gathers.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rockI will build my church, and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it.”

The Church is built on Jesus.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11
For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We should allow the Bible to commentate upon itself.

The Church should celebrate and demonstrate the identity of Jesus.

Church is not an event to attend, but a family you are a part of.

Matthew 6:10
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Kingdom of God = the rule and reign of Jesus in the hearts and lives of His people.

Luke 17:20-21
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

Churches should be embassies of Heaven on Earth.

We become an embassy of Heaven on Earth by:
1. Loving each other.
2. Handling conflict biblically.
3. Caring for people.
4. Being Christ-centered.

1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

The Church is called to unity, not uniformity.

Spiritual growth happens best in a church.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ […].

The Church provides protection from attack and the temptation of false teaching.

Ephesians 4:13-14
[…] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

The Church provides fellowship with other believers.

1 Corinthians 12:26
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

In a church, grief is divided, and joy is multiplied.

The Church advances the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.