SERMON: “The Essential Church” Matthew 16:15-18

The Church is Essential Because…

1. The One Who Purchased It

2. The Community It Provides

3. The Message It Proclaims

1. One of the grave dangers to any church is confusion of ownership. What do the following passages teach us in this regard: Matthew 23:8-10; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23; Colossians 1:18. Whose is the “church”? How can confusion in this area cause tension and problems?

2. How has your own spirit been impacted by the lack of opportunity for corporate worship? What has been missed the most in these recent weeks? Review Psalm 42:1-5 and Hebrews 10:23-25 and discuss what these verses tell us regarding the importance of gathering corporately for worship. What hazards do we face in the absence of drawing together corporately?

3. What is the essential message of the church and its purpose? Why is this so vital in these days of pandemic, anger, violence, fear, and despair? How can we become more effective in the ministry God has entrusted to our care as a local congregation?

4. Is the church essential? Is it essential to you? How is this revealed in your own life?

5. What is a single take-away for you and how will your life be changed by today’s sermon?