Welcome to City Harbor Church…a safe place to find and follow Jesus. What is Jesus up to today?
“I will build my church,” – Jesus in Matthew 16:18 (on this rock, confession of Jesus’ identity as Messiah)
“Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone,” – Ephesians 2:20
“that rock was Christ,” – 1 Corinthians 10:4
“a wise man who built his house on the rock,” – Matthew 7:24-27
“foundation…which is Jesus Christ,” – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
What is the church? Church – New people following Jesus together
Ekklesia – church universal and local (used in Scripture both ways) “called out” of their homes for assembly (regularly assembled for specific purpose with unique identity), this includes a reference to the Old Testament Hebrew believers, the Jewish Christian congregation in Jerusalem and the Gentile congregation in Antioch. Often referencing the purpose and/or spiritual power of the “called out” people. This group of people is different. Word most often used to describe a specific congregation.
“each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved,” – Acts 2:37
Origin story: Luke 24 – Acts 1 & 2 Church – New people following Jesus together
“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy,” – Ephesians 5:25-27
Bride of Christ Eph 5:26-27 personal relationship with Jesus, identity, purpose, devoted to teaching
What do we learn?
God is intentional about relationship with us.
Jesus Christ our Savior is who we follow and base our lives on.
Jesus is building His church with people who find & follow Him.
The church has identity, value, and purpose.
What should we do?
1. Receive the love of Jesus, choosing to find and follow Jesus.
2. Read Acts 2:38-47 and ask God if there’s a next step for you. 3. Write about it, make a plan to follow Jesus, and take one step.