Text: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (p.1014)

We only grow-up in salvation .

Growing up in salvation provides the to live abundantly in this difficult world.

Saying we don’t need the church is like my big toe saying it doesn’t need the foot or the ankle or the heart or whatever. Individual parts cannot much less function on their own. (1 Cor. 12:27)

With all her flaws and imperfections and messes, Jesus loves His . (Rev. 19:7)

And it will severely dampen our relationship with Him if we have disdain, even dislike, for the one He to create.

The church of the New Testament didn’t look radically than the church today.

There existed local churches under the of elders.

The reason they had local churches that is that they understood we cannot grow in our salvation alone.

That which is life-giving has involved in it – including the church. (Pr. 14:4)

The promise of – the promise of – is tied not to us going to church or being around church. It is tied to us being the church for each other. (Mt. 16:16-18)