What is Church? – Represent – Ephesians 2:19-22

What is church?

Represent – Ephesians 2:19-22
Sunday, March 15, 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]

Represent

Ephesians 2:19-22

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 1 Peter 2:5

1. The church is a place you to. (Ephesians 2:19)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16

¹ Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. ² Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Notes:

2. The church is a place you upon. (Ephesians 2:20)

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Notes:

3. The church creates a . (Ephesians 2:21)

¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. ¹¹ Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  ¹² Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ¹³ When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:10-13

Notes:

4. The church offers you . (Ephesians 2:22)

“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Matthew 16:18

Notes:

Challenge: How are you representing 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: Write a pros and cons list for joining the local church.

PRO ———– CON

Make a decision and take a next step.

Read Hebrews 13:1-21 in preparation for next week’s message.

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