THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH

ONE BODY IN CHRIST

Sunday Sermon Notes

Pastor Derk Adams

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Background Notes

· The word church (Greek ekklesia) means “called out ones” — God’s people, not buildings.

· The early church struggled with division: Jews vs. Gentiles, rich vs. poor, circumcised vs. uncircumcised.

· Paul reminded them Christ broke down the walls of separation (Ephesians 2:14–16).

· Jesus prayed for unity before the cross (John 17:20–21).

· Today’s culture mirrors those same struggles — racial, political, denominational divides.

· God is not pleased when His body is divided; the true identity of the church is unity in Christ.

Key Points

1. The Church Is Defined by Christ, Not Color

· Ephesians 2:14–16 — Christ made us one, tearing down division.

2. The True Identity of the Church Is Unity in Christ

· 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 — One body, many members, all baptized into one Spirit.

3. Division Grieves the Heart of God

· John 17:20–21 — Jesus prayed for unity; division weakens our witness.

4. The Church Must Return to God’s Definition

· Colossians 3:11 — Christ is all, and in all.

Conclusion

The church is not defined by color — it is defined by covenant. We are one body in Christ, and God calls us to tear down walls of division and walk in unity.

Romans 12:5 (KJV): So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.