The Word Unleashed - Radio

How do you truly understand something as profound as the Lord’s church? The New Testament doesn't give us just one definition—it gives us a rich tapestry of metaphors: the body, the bride, the building, and many more. Each one adds color and depth, revealing different facets of what Christ's church truly is.

What is the difference between the "visible church" and the "invisible church"—and why should it matter? Well, the truth is, these distinctions matter profoundly, because Scripture never envisions a Christian who claims to belong to Jesus Christ yet remains disconnected from a local church. Perhaps that describes you right now—you profess faith in Christ, but you're disengaged, disconnected, and standing at a distance from His church.

When you consider the teaching of the New Testament, it is clear that those who have been redeemed by Christ are to have lives centered on the church. Throughout the apostles' teaching and preaching ministries, they never wavered from being connected to the church. They sought to teach the church, train the church, pray for the church, and engage in daily life with the church.

What does it mean that a Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit? The presence of God among His people is a reoccuring theme or motif woven throughout Scripture. And in Ephesians 2, Paul highlights that God's presence isn't simply among His people but in His people through the powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit. This is part of what it means to be in union with Christ.

Have you come to terms with who Jesus Christ is? Have you truly considered His person: that the eternal Son of God entered into this world and assumed human flesh, thus He is the God-man? Have you considered His work: that He came into this world on a rescue mission to save sinners from their sins? What you believe about Christ will determine whether you live in submission Him or whether you will be crushed by Him at the judgment.

We all understand to some degree how important the foundation of a building is to that building. We’ve all seen or heard of stories where a building collapses because the foundation was faulty or had become compromised through the years. But In Ephesian 2, Paul makes it clear that our union with Christ is not built on a suspect foundation but a solid and sound one. Join Pastor Tom as he continues explain Ephesians chapter 2 and the fundamental reality of every believers’ union with Christ which is built on a firm foundation.

In God’s grace He has provided in His written Word several key illustrations to help us understand how vital our union with the Lord Jesus Christ really is. So far from Ephesians 2 we’ve discovered that we as Christians are Not only are we fellow citizens of God's kingdom but fellow members of God's family. On today’s broadcast, Tom continues explaining Ephesians 2 and helps us understand a third and final illustration about our union with Christ: we are also stones in God's temple.

We understand what it means to be a citizen of a particular country. But the Bible speaks of a greater citizenship, one that results from a believer's union with Christ. The truth is, the one who repents of their sin and trusts in Jesus Christ is no longer a citizen in the kingdom of Satan, but rather, a citizen in the the Lord Jesus Christ’s kingdom. From Ephesians 2, Tom explains this important truth to encourage Christians to not only embrace their union with Christ but to produce good fruit in keeping with that union.

In Ephesians 2, Paul gives 3 illustrations to help us understand the depth of that union. Paul’s words are just as important for us to understand today because they help shape our understanding of the most profound union we could ever participate in: our union with Christ.

Have you personally responded to Jesus' teaching in the Parable of the Soils? Have you embraced what He taught or rejected it? This parable reveals why some believe the gospel while others reject it: it's the condition of the heart that hears the message. Today, Tom Pennington encourages you to be confident and thankful that if you’ve repented of your sins and turned to Christ, you are truly saved by grace through faith.