THIS IS OUR CHURCH: What Does It Mean to Truly Belong And Not Just Attend Church? | Part 1

Main message: The sermon urged believers to move beyond mere attendance to true belonging in the church: being received by grace, intentionally connected to one another, and built together under Christ so people are known, supported, and able to contribute.

Key points:

• Belonging is a status given by Christ (Eph 2:19-22) and should shape how we welcome and care for one another.
• Newcomers often need a "Barnabas" — someone who personally connects them to the community (Acts 9:26-28).
• The church is one body with many members; diversity of gifts requires interdependence, not isolation (1 Cor 12:12-18).
• The early church practiced shared life in both large gatherings and small homes, making needs visible and meeting them (Acts 2:42-47).
• Be intentional about access and care so people with needs get through the crowd (Mark 2:1-12); keep room for questioners and those wrestling with faith (John 20:24-29).
• Practical next steps: learn a name, join a small group, follow up or invite someone — move from attending to belonging and provoke one another to love and good works (Heb 10:24-25).

Scriptures mentioned: Ephesians 2:19-22, Acts 9:26-28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-18, Acts 2:42-47, Mark 2:1-12, Hebrews 10:24-25, John 20:24-29