The Church Series | Part 1 | A People Unto Himself with Jay Urena

What does it truly mean to be the Church?In this opening message of a new series, Jay traces God’s desire for a people of His own from Genesis through the covenants and into the New Testament. From humanity’s original calling to bear God’s image, to Abraham’s family, Israel’s holy nation, David’s kingdom, and the new covenant established through Jesus, we discover that the Church has never primarily been a building, denomination, or weekly gathering.The Church is the family of God, the holy nation of God, and the kingdom of the Messiah. We are a people called out of darkness, restored to communion with God, and invited to carry His image into the world. This episode challenges us to move beyond simply “going to church” and begin living from the glorious reality that, together, we are His treasured people.00:00 Opening Prayer01:34 Series Shift to Church03:15 God Wants a People04:11 Genesis Image and Dominion08:20 Living Image Not Idols11:24 Shame Fractures Communion15:42 Covenants Restore a People17:04 Abraham Covenant Family22:57 Mosaic Covenant Holy Nation26:45 Davidic Covenant Eternal King29:24 God Wants a People30:31 Church as Family Nation Kingdom31:21 New Covenant Identity Restored32:14 Scripture Defines the Church34:20 Not a Building or Denomination36:26 Living as God’s Image43:52 Communion Not Just Knowledge46:14 Unity and Shared Gifts50:05 Who Is the Church50:41 Closing Prayer and SendingMore about The Porch: www.theporchny.comHelp us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj