I Love the Church

---Sunday Notes---Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:17-18 ESV - - Rock: double meaning…For the Church to be the Church, it must be built on the word and will of Jesus. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:8-11 NLTAll the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 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— 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 NLTWe’re called to Christ following community that works together for God and good.We are made to be together in a way that honors God, prioritizes community and discipleship, and expedites compelling reach.And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 NLTPhoto’s when I start talking about 828 Church… What matters most isn’t what, but whose the Church is!I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:17-18 ESVI still believe in the Church because the Church is His! So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19 ESVI believe being deeply involved in a church that loves God and pursues His purposes is the best thing I can do for my family and the most impactful thing I can do with my life.