Body, Temple, Embassy
Summary
A local church is like a body, a family, a building, or an embassy. God intends individual believers to attach themselves to a local church, where they belong and serve as members of one body, children in one family, building blocks in a holy temple where God dwells.
Ephesians 2: Pictures of the church
- Body – v. 16
- Household (family) – v. 19
- Building (temple) – vv. 20-21
- Embassy – v. 19
Universal vs. local
Ephesians 2:22
Organic vs. institutional
Flesh vs. bones; marriage illustration
Local church as an embassy
Features of an embassy
“Members”
Respond
- How has our/your thinking about the local church been shaped by our culture?
- How does a club, association, or service provider differ from the local church?
- What would have to change for you to experience church as a family?
- What is one step you can take this week to strengthen and affirm your place in your church?