Sermon Notes:

When it comes to your week, what's most important?

"Christianity in America has reached a place of irreversible decline" - Barna Group

"A resilient disciple is a Christian who attends church at least monthly." - Barna Group

That bar is LOW!

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 peter 2:9-10

1. The church is universal and local

Universal – All Jesus followers of all time

Local – A specific group of Jesus followers placed together for worship, community, and mission

2. The church can be many things at once

I. Building of Christ

II. Bride of Christ

III. Body of Christ

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member where would the body be? As is it, there are many parts, yet one body.”

1 Corinthians 12:18-20

There are two common misconceptions

1. There are more “important” things

“Regular church attendance is vital for spiritual growth. It’s where we receive nourishment, encouragement, and correction for our journey of faith.”

- John Piper

2. It’s not a big deal if I miss it

The church is not only for you, it's for those around you.