The Church
When we talk about “church” we tend to use words related to buildings and programs rather than people and relationships. But if we are going to speak rightly about the church, we must begin with the gospel.
The gospel not only calls us into a new relationship with God but also with one another (Matt. 22:34-40). God called us and redeemed us to be members of a community that are transformed by the gospel and driven together to advance His gospel purposes (Phil. 1:27). God has called this community of believers the church. A church is a group of believers committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Pet. 2:4ff).
The gospel shapes the identity of the church. The gospel rebirths us into a new chosen race (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. Eph. 1:4-5). The gospel rescues us from the slavery of the law of religion and the slavery of the bondage of sin by adopting us into God’s family and household as His children through Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:12-17; Gal. 3:25-29). The gospel sanctifies us into a holy nation and a temple of the Holy Spirit that God has set apart in holiness for His gospel purposes (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:18-20; Eph. 2:21; Pet. 2:9). The gospel connects us to a body of believers that seeks to build itself up in love into Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 12-14; Rom. 12:4-6). The gospel transforms us into a people for His own possession that is zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:9; cf. Ex. 19:5). The gospel sends out a people as a royal priesthood and a delegate of ambassadors to intercede on behalf of God to all nations (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14-21; 1 Pet. 2:9). The gospel builds us into a pillar and buttress of truth that proclaims the true gospel to the unredeemed world (1 Tim. 3:15; Titus 2:9).
The gospel forms the function and mission of the church. The gospel sanctifies believers together in their love for Jesus Christ and for people (Matt. 22:37-39). The gospel matures believers more and more into an accurate picture of Jesus Christ displayed to the believers and unbelievers in a particular locale (e.g., neighborhood, apartment complex, etc.)(1 John 4:12; cf. 1 Cor. 12). The gospel unites believers to the heart of God (John 13:34-35) and sends them out on the mission of Jesus Christ in bringing salvation to this generation (John 17:15-23).
God is calling you to join within Him as He builds His church in this generation. There are believers in your locale and neighborhood that are seeking to be the church of Jesus Christ. These groups of believers here at Cornerstone are called community groups.