What does it truly mean to be the Church?

In this opening message of a new series, Jay traces God’s desire for a people of His own from Genesis through the covenants and into the New Testament. From humanity’s original calling to bear God’s image, to Abraham’s family, Israel’s holy nation, David’s kingdom, and the new covenant established through Jesus, we discover that the Church has never primarily been a building, denomination, or weekly gathering.

The Church is the family of God, the holy nation of God, and the kingdom of the Messiah. We are a people called out of darkness, restored to communion with God, and invited to carry His image into the world. This episode challenges us to move beyond simply “going to church” and begin living from the glorious reality that, together, we are His treasured people.

00:00 Opening Prayer

01:34 Series Shift to Church

03:15 God Wants a People

04:11 Genesis Image and Dominion

08:20 Living Image Not Idols

11:24 Shame Fractures Communion

15:42 Covenants Restore a People

17:04 Abraham Covenant Family

22:57 Mosaic Covenant Holy Nation

26:45 Davidic Covenant Eternal King

29:24 God Wants a People

30:31 Church as Family Nation Kingdom

31:21 New Covenant Identity Restored

32:14 Scripture Defines the Church

34:20 Not a Building or Denomination

36:26 Living as God’s Image

43:52 Communion Not Just Knowledge

46:14 Unity and Shared Gifts

50:05 Who Is the Church

50:41 Closing Prayer and Sending

More about The Porch: www.theporchny.com

Help us serve our city: https://givebutter.com/xIPrFj