What is Church? – Be Involved – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

What is church?

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

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12

1. The church is for people with different . (1 Corinthians 12:13)

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

⁹ For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. ¹⁰ But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

Notes:

2. The church is for people with different . (1 Corinthians 12:14-21)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Notes:

3. The church is for people wanting . (1 Corinthians 12:22-26)

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. Proverbs 11:14

Notes:

4. The church is a . (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

⁴² All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. ⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — ⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Notes:

Challenge:

What is your primary reason for withholding your time, talents, and treasures from the church?

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:

             Spend 5 minutes each day in quiet prayer asking God to show you how you can further the mission of IMPACT  Church.

Our mission:

Impacting lives with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Read Ephesians 2:19-22 in preparation for next week’s message.

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