Sermon in a Sentence: The church should be important to us because it is important to God.

Introduction

Why is it important to be a faithful and active member of your church?

Baptists have always emphasized the importance and autonomy of the local church.

I. The Church is the People of God

"the house of God"

(Eph. 2.19)

II. The Church is the Possession of God

"the church of the living God"

(Acts 20.28)

III. The Church is the Proclaimer of God

"the pillar and ground of the truth"

• A. The Church Protects the Truth (Jude 3)
• B. The Church Proclaims the Truth (Matt. 28.19,20;Phil. 2.16)