Christ Builds His Church (Revisited)

Ephesians 2:19-22

So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Big idea: Christ alone builds His church

Ephesians 2:19–20

1. Christ is the Cornerstone

Modern-day Apostles and Prophets are False Apostles and False Prophets

Matthew 16:16

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:18

“...I will build my church.”

John 15:4–5

Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.

Before we ask, “What can this church do?” we need to ask, “Are we seeking Christ?”

Break these walls I've built inside Crush the kingdom of my pride Let the truth move past my tongue Till my whole life sings the song

Father, draw me nearer Through the ink upon the page Take these truths that fill my mind And set my heart ablaze Teach my feet to follow closely Teach this restless heart to trust I don't wanna just know about You Lord, I wanna know You

Lyrics of “Knowing God” by Reformed and Dangerous

Next step: I will seek Christ daily through prayer and His Word.

Our Daily Prayers as Members of LWCC:

for God to deepen personal love for Christ;
for spiritual maturity in Living Word;
for courage and opportunities to speak the gospel;
for specific neighbors, relatives, coworkers, classmates, or friends by name; for God to draw people to Christ—not merely into a service.

2. Christ sends His people

Ephesians 2:21–22

In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Great Commission:

Christ has all authority.
Therefore, we go.
We make disciples.
Christ is with us.

What is the gospel?

The gospel is that we are sinners who have rebelled against the holy God who made us. We cannot save ourselves. But God, in His mercy, sent His Son. Jesus lived the righteous life we failed to live, died the death our sin deserved, rose in victory over sin and death, and now calls sinners everywhere to repent and believe in Him.

Romans 10:14

How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?

“Preach the gospel wherever you go, and when necessary, use words.”

Often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi

Actions are not sharing the gospel.

Actions are the gateway to sharing the gospel.

Next step: I will pray for people by name, speak of Christ with them, and invite them to hear the gospel.

3. Christ builds through His whole body

Ephesians 4:11–16

And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

For the Church to Function Properly:

Christ is the head.
The body is joined and held together by Him.
The body grows as “each part is working properly.”

Romans 12:1

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.

Next step: I will use my gifts to build up the body of Christ and help welcome those God brings among us.

4. Christ builds a truthful and faithful church

1 Timothy 3:15

“The household of God… (is) a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

1 Peter 3:15–16

…but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.

Christ builds His church when:

He remains the cornerstone of our faith.
His people proclaim the gospel.
His body grows in unity and maturity as each member serves.
His church upholds the truth of His Word.

Next step: I will pursue truth, prayer, love, and faithful witness as a member of Christ’s church.

Ephesians 2:21–22

“In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Evangelism Prayer (Modified from “Where You've Never Been Praised” by Reformed & Dangerous)

Dear Jesus,

Where You've never been praised, we'll carry Your Name To friends, family, and co-workers the same If neighbors are waiting, then neighbors we'll find The earth is the Lord's Every home, every fence line Until every neighbor knows Jesus reigns.

Amen