Alternate Tuesday

7.00 pm to 8.00 pm

Equip Time

The Significance of The Church Pt.2 – Baptism & Integration

Intro�It is a blessing to understand that we, (after the new birth) have been baptized into one body (the universal Church on the earth). Giving us access to any parts of that body (local churches) that aligns with our bents, backgrounds, belief, experience with God.

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1Cor. 12:13 – 13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

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Paul was referencing the exodus and the Jews as one people who are divided into different tribes with different inheritance , duties and blessings.

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1Cor.10:2-4 – our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3and all ate the same spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. 

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We all have access since we are fellow-citizens and members of the church of God�

Eph. 2:19-22 – 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by^e the Spirit.

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“Household of God” (v.19)

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The Greek word: /oikeios/ from /oikos/ = domestic. Speaks of a domestic household related by family.

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Gal.6:10 –  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. ��We prioritize spiritual relatives while still embracing universal benevolence. Just as we prioritize immediate physical family before before general benevolence (1Tim.5:8)

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Our local Church serves as opportunity to practice our family values – responsibilities, duties, accountability, structure and coverering.

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Prov.27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (ESV)

As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]. (AMP)

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/yahad/ = sharp, implies friction, pressure intentional grinding.

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• We become sharper through another person - through real spiritual interaction, friction, correction, and fellowship.

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• No plastic, wood or stone, can sharpen as iron. Anyone can be a sharpening instrument – mentor, friend, pastor, small group�Why isolation dulls a believer, community challenges and call us higher.�
• Honest correction, confrontation, accountability, alignment and reproof removes dullness, carnality, pride and blind spots.

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• Friction is not a sign of dysfunction; it’s a sign of sharpening. Some conflicts are actually signs we are being formed.

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• You want a sharp destiny, stay close to sharp people.

How to Integrate Into a Local Church (Spiritually Mature Way)

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The enemy isolates; God integrates.��Integration begins with a heart posture: “I’m here to grow, build, serve, belong.” It is not automatic. It is intentional, spiritual, relational, and practical. Acts 15 – Paul and the early apostle's alignment in doctrine, ministry and collaboration.

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1. Arrive With a Heart of Covenant, Not Convenience. Its not only about ‘where can I serve’ but how can I belong?

Covenant says – I’m here to plant, I’m here to grow with others, I’m here to be accountable

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2. Prioritize Consistent Presence. Show up to services, prayer gatherings, other programs and small groups. Heb.10:25 - not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

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Neglect /egkataleipó/ = leave behind. It means to leave in a condition of lack ("without"); hence, to feel forsaken (helpless), like left in dire circumstances.

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3. Join a Small Group or Fellowship Circle. Acts 2 rhythms: teaching + prayer + sharing meals + fellowship.

Small groups create spiritual family, accountability, and care. You cannot be known in the crowd — join a circle.

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4. Serve Faithfully on a Team. Mk. 10:45 — Jesus came to serve, not to be served. Serving creates ownership, community, and spiritual growth. Every gift finds expression in the body (1 Cor. 12).

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5. Build Christ-Centered Relationships. Greet people. Stay after service. Share your story. Encourage others. Attend church events.

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6. Give, Partner, and Contribute. Where your treasure goes, your heart follows (Matt. 6:21). Giving makes the church your family, not just your weekend stop.

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7. Align With the Vision of the House. The church’s mission. Its values. What God has called it to build. How you fit.

Integration happens when your personal assignment aligns with the corporate mandate.

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8. Consent to Spiritual Leadership. Hebrews 13:17 urges believers to honor and receive from their leaders.

A heart open to pastoral care, correction, and instruction integrates deeply. Somre day, you can become a leader to a group, mission, or even a church. What goes around comes around.

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God places you in a church for covering, growth, purpose, and impact. He grows us inside His household, not outside of it. So, connection is key wherever that is for you.

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It takes a long time to feel planted but when the focus is on God’s work more than my work and gain, it feels discouraging and unfulfilling.

“The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It” (v.18b)

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In Jewish thought, “gates” represent power, counsel, and authority (see Ruth 4:1; Proverbs 31:23).

So “the gates of hell” (Greek: Hades) means the authority or government of death and darkness.

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Jesus is saying: “The powers of death, deception, and demonic government cannot overpower My Church.” AMEN!

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This is not a defensive stance but offensive posture — the Church is not on the defensive, hiding from hell; it is advancing, plundering darkness, and extending the Kingdom.

Points to Note:�

• Revelation precedes construction. You cannot build what you have not seen.
• The Church is built on the revelation of Christ – not tradition, charisma, personality, popularity, influence.
• The gates of hell cannot prevail – where the revelation of Christ is alive.
• The keys of the Kingdom – are still in the hands of believers who walk in revelation.
• The more we see Christ clearly – the more we stand victoriously.

---- When Christ is revealed, the Church is unstoppable ----