The Gathering
Brian Bloye
Part of The Church
August 7, 2022

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Message Notes

Matthew 16:18 - And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.


Ekklesia – a gathering, or assembly, or a congregation that has been called out.


A church is a gathering of people that are following and living out the mission of Jesus together.


Common misconceptions about the church.


  • Misconception #1 – The church is a building.
  • Misconception #2 – The church is an organization.

  • Misconception #3 – The church is a spiritual superstore.

  • Misconception #4 – Involvement in a local church is optional.


The One Anothers

  • Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all [people] will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).
  • “Be devoted to one another in brotherly [and sisterly] love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
  • “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).
  • “Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13).
  • “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).
  • “Instruct one another” (Romans 15:14).
  • “Agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
  • “Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).
  • “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
  • “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
  • “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19).
  • “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
  • “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
  • “Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).
  • “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
  • “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).


West Ridge Mission Statement – Leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.


“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” —Matthew 28:19


How is the Church described in the Bible

  • The body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5; I Cor. 12:12-27)
  • The bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-32; Rev 19:7-8)
  • The Kingdom of Christ (Col 1:13)
  • The Pillar of Truth (I Timothy 3:15)
  • The Temple of God (I Cor 3:16-17; Eph 2:19-22)
  • The Family of God (1 John 3:1-2, Eph 2:18-19)


When you join a church, you become part of a family.
When you leave a church, you’re leaving a family.


“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” —Acts 2:42-47


Four foundational activities of a Kingdom-minded local Church.

  • Devotion to Biblical teaching

  • Devotion to fellowship

  • Devotion to worship

  • Devotion to evangelistic outreach


Resources