Pastor Dave Pretlove

Being a Christian means being a part of three churches

1. The ______ church

I have more in ______ with _____________ across the ______ than people ___ ____ God in my neighborhood.

2. The __________ church

The _________ of the church is my _______ ________!

3. The _________ church

__________ to a church is _____ _____ than ________ ______

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The local church is important because it is ordained by God. It is the vessel through which God brings His Kingdom to the Earth. The local church is the level at which people are discipled, grown spiritually, cared for physically, and able to serve others. Furthermore, the local church makes up the global church.

1. Why is it so important to meet together for church?

2. If you can hear great sermons online, is there still a need to physically go to church and meet together?

3. How has going to church and meeting together helped you? Do you have a specific story you want to share?

4. Read Revelation 5:9-10. When you think about being part of a huge global church, does this get you excited for heaven?

God created us to be in relationship with him and in relationship with one another. Church relationships can sometimes be hard. We are all sinners saved by Jesus’ incredible sacrifice and God’s merciful grace. When church difficulties arise, it can feel like it would be easier to just be more of an “island” where it is just you and God and maybe a couple other choice people. Relational conflict in the local church is something that has existed since the beginning. There are passages in the Bible where Paul addresses different conflicts the early churches were having relationally. If they had relational struggles then, surely we will have them now. What if difficult church relationships actually help sanctify us? What if they help us practice things like kindness, gentleness, self-control and forgiveness?