Week Three – Church 

Everyone needs certain things in life. People need hope. People need community, and people need church. We’ll look at our need for church by studying:

1. Where God is when things don’t go the way we want.
2. Seven signs of a healthy church.
3. What we need to watch out for.

• Where is God when things don’t go the way we want?

Matthew 16:16-19 (NLT)

The definition of “church” according to the dictionary: (N) a building used for public Christian worship.

The biblical understanding of “church” is different. The Greek word “ekklesia” is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” 

– a collection of people

– committed to a mission

– culture shaping

God is here. He is working through us and is represented by His Church. The Church is the hope of the world.

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

Community is where we experience hope. Church is where we express hope.

• Here are seven signs of a healthy church. 

1. Bold Teaching

Acts 19:8 (NIV)

2. Choose to Follow Jesus

Acts 19:9 (NIV) 

Obstinate;…refuse to believe

3. Persistently Sharing the Gospel 

Acts 19:10 (NIV)

I Corinthians 9:19-23 (MSG)

4. Biblical Unity

Acts 19:17 (NIV)

5. Spirit-Filled Worship

Acts 19:17 (NIV)

6. Life Change

Acts 19:18-19 (NIV)

7. The Church Created a Disturbance

Acts 19:20-23 (NIV)

• There are things to watch out for as we move forward as the Church.

Warning: Missing Motive

Revelation 2:2-3 (NIV)

Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)

Love Jesus.

Be the Church.