What is Church? – Be Committed – Ephesians 5:25-27

What is Church?

Be Committed – Ephesians 5:25-27
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

What is church — really? Is it a building, a gathering, or something deeper? We must better understand God’s design for His church so we can truly belong to it. The Bible describes the church as the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, the Temple of God, and the Family of God. These living pictures shape how we commit, get involved, represent Christ, and hold one another accountable within the church. Church is not only a place we go, but a people we are called to be. We are challenged and encouraged to move from spectator to participant as we learn to live faithfully as God’s church together.

March 1 – Be Committed – Ephesians 5:25-27

March 8 – Be Involved – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

March 15 – Represent – Ephesians 2:19-22

March 22 – Be Accountable – Hebrews 13:1-21

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Be Committed

Ephesians 5:25-27

Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:9

1. Church should be a priority, not just a priority.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16

Notes:

2. Church should be a place you into, not just up to.

And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. 1 Corinthians 14:12

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.” Acts 20:28

Notes:

3. Church should be a place to be of, not to .

 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

Notes:

4. Church should be a in our community, not a .

Please share with us the names of three people you are praying for this Easter.

Our leadership and staff teams will join you in praying for them, too

Name Your Three

¹This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God give you grace and peace. ² We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. ³ As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. ⁵ For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. ⁶ So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. ⁷ As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7

Notes:

Challenge:

What is stopping you from committing to make church more than a Sunday thing?

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Growth Challenge:

Submit a Connect Card and share with us what your next step is.

Connect Card

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 in preparation for next week’s message.

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.