9/6/26 Midtown Church – Sacramento

WHY CHURCH? — PART 2: The Building of a Beloved Community

Dr. Efrem Smith

Biblical Foundation

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (NIV)
  • The church is a beloved community where we learn—or relearn—how to love, live, and give.
  • Paul reminds the church that our gifts, service, generosity, and leadership must be rooted in God’s love.
  • The Church is the Bride of Christ — Ephesians 5:21–32; Matthew 25:1–13
  • A member of Midtown Church is a lover and follower of Christ who has chosen to covenant with this local body by committing to spiritual growth, serving, generosity, and accountability.

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Question of the Sermon:

How does love operate in the church, and how do we participate?

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1. LOVING INTENTIONALLY

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, 1 John 3:1–3
  • Our gifts, service, generosity, and leadership must be rooted in God’s love.

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2. LOVING CLEARLY

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, 1 John 4:7–16
  • The love we extend to one another is clarified in Christ.
  • Agape and Agapaō love.

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3. LOVING STRONGLY

  • 1 Corinthians 13:8–13
  • Love protects and strengthens the church.
  • Love is a weapon against division and disunity.

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Final Thought:

  • How Love Is Realized
  • Ephesians 4:11–16
  • Discovering God’s Love Language
  • We realize God’s love through the way we grow, serve, give, and make disciples together.

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How to Become a Member of Midtown Church:

  • Midtown Orientation (Membership Class) — September 6 at 10:30 AM and October 4
  • Salvation and Baptism — September 24 and 27, if you haven’t done this before

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Members of Midtown:

  • Grow Spiritually — Commit to lifelong spiritual maturity.
  • Serve — Join a ministry team and use your gifts.
  • Give Financially — Invest in the ministry and mission of the church.
  • Make Disciples — Bring God’s love to the world around you.
  • Homecoming Sunday & Ministry Fair — September 20

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