Western Hills Church Of Christ, Temple

Scripture:  Matthew 16:18 Speaker:  Chris Stephens, Lead Minister, Avenue G Church of Christ Summary: In this sermon, the Chris reflects on the nature and purpose of the church, focusing on Matthew 16:18. He emphasizes that the church is not merely a building or a social club but a "called-out" group intended to influence the world positively. By using the term "eklesia," Jesus indicates that the church is a community meant to be active and impactful, breaking down barriers and confronting societal issues. His emphasis is that the church's strength lies in its foundation on Jesus as the Messiah, and it is designed to withstand challenges and continue its mission regardless of worldly obstacles. Ultimately, he encourages believers to actively embody the church’s mission in all aspects of their lives, influencing the world through their faith and actions wherever they go day by day.