Welcome back to the Know and Do podcast, where we challenge you to Know God deeply and Do what most glorifies Him. In this episode, we're getting into the heart of what it means to be The People of the Church.
In our series on Baptist beliefs, we've discussed systematic theology, but this time, we’re focusing not so much on systems as on people. This episode explores who makes up the church, why it matters, and how God uses His people to reflect His image and fulfill His mission.
From the very beginning, we were created for relationship—not isolation. As image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:26–27), we are social creatures, made to live in community. Just as God exists in fellowship within the Trinity, we are also meant for deep and meaningful relationships. Fellowship isn’t just a bonus of church life—it’s a core part of our design.
I. The church is a body of Christ-followers and all Christ-followers are the church (1 Corinthians 12:12—13)
What does the local church look like?
1. Autonomous
2. Spirit-filled
3. Baptized
4. Repentant lifestyles
5. Corporate worship
6. Observes Ordinances
II. A Christ-follower without the church is unnatural (1 Corinthians 12:14-17)
III. A Christian active in the church is positioned to be what he/she was made to be (1 Corinthians 12:18-20; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 12:49-50)