Why Going back to Church Matters - Linder Road church of Christ
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class, the teacher emphasized the biblical importance of belonging to the Church, using Ephesians 5:25 to illustrate Christ’s profound love for the church as a model for marriage and community. He highlighted that this love demands our participation in the gathered body, not merely individual spirituality. The lesson then turned to 2 Thessalonians 2:13‑14, explaining how God chose believers as first‑fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Holy Spirit, underscoring that being part of the church is part of God’s predestined plan for us. Acts 20:28 was also referenced to affirm that the church is God’s blood‑bought possession, reinforcing the need for corporate worship and fellowship. The teacher connected these doctrinal points to current outreach efforts, such as National Back‑to‑Church Sunday and upcoming events at Linder Road Church of Christ, encouraging both visitors and regular members to engage fully. He argued that returning to church isn’t about ritual alone, but about experiencing Christ’s love, growing in sanctification, and contributing to the church’s mission in the community.
Key Scriptures
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word.
But we ought to always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.