Church Without Walls

Lesson Objective

To explore Scriptures that reveal the Church as a dynamic community of believers who share a common faith in Jesus Christ, rather than merely a physical structure, and to encourage ourselves to actively incorporate this understanding into our daily lives.

Lesson Introduction

Many people say, “I’m going to church,” meaning they are going to a building. While buildings are useful and often necessary, Scripture teaches something far more powerful: 

The Church is not where we go - it is who we are!

In tonight's lesson, we are invited to take a deeper look at what it truly means to be the church. It's essential to understand that God does not primarily reside within the walls of buildings constructed by human hands. Instead, His presence is found in the hearts and lives of those who have been transformed through their relationship with Jesus Christ.

As committed believers, we are much more than mere attendees of church services; we are active, living members of the body of Jesus Christ. This profound connection means that we carry His Spirit, His message, and His love into every aspect of our lives, whether at work, school, or in our communities. 

We are called to embody His teachings and represent Him in all that we do, making our actions and attitudes a testament to His grace and truth. Through this understanding, we can begin to see the church not just as a place to gather, but as a vibrant community of faith that extends beyond physical structures and into the world around us.

Our Scriptural References

Matthew 16:18: “So, I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church.”

1 Corinthians 3:16: “You should know that you yourselves are God’s temple. God’s Spirit lives in you.”

Ephesians 2:19–22: “So now you non-Jewish people are not visitors or strangers, but you are citizens together with God’s holy people. You belong to God’s family. You believers are like a building that God owns. That building was built on the foundation that the apostles and prophets prepared. Christ Jesus Himself is the most important stone in that building. The whole building is joined together in Christ, and He makes it grow and become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Christ you are being built together with His other people. You are being made into a place where God lives through the Spirit.”

1 Peter 2:5: “Come and be His “living stones” who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that He readily accepts through Jesus Christ.”

Acts 2:42–47: “The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate together and prayed together. Many wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles, and everyone felt great respect for God. All the believers stayed together and shared everything. They sold their land and the things they owned. Then they divided the money and gave it to those who needed it. The believers shared a common purpose, and every day they spent much of their time together in the Temple area. They also ate together in their homes. They were happy to share their food and ate with joyful hearts. The believers praised God and were respected by all the people. More and more people were being saved every day, and the Lord was adding them to their group.”

• Jesus Christ Builds His Church with People. Jesus Christ builds His Church through redeemed lives, not physical structures.
• Believers Are God’s Dwelling Place. God’s Spirit lives in His people, making them His temple.
• The Church Is a Spiritual Family. We are members of God’s household, united by faith.
• The Church Is Active, Not Stationary. Wherever believers go, the Church goes.

Every Believer Has a Responsibility

Each believer represents Jesus Christ and contributes to His body; every believer is to be a carrier of God’s presence, love, and truth into the world.

Lesson Summary

The Bible consistently teaches that the Church is made up of people who belong to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said He would build His Church, not with bricks; He builds His Church with redeemed lives - redeemed (converted) people{Matthew 16:18}. Peter described believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house{1 Peter 2:5}. Paul reminds believers that we ourselves are God’s temple because God’s Spirit lives in us {1 Corinthians 3:16}. This truth reshapes how we view worship, fellowship, and responsibility. The Church is not confined to weekly or Sunday gatherings. In truth, faith exists wherever we, as believers, live it out - in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. When we understand that people - we are the Church, we stop asking, “Did you – do you go to church?” and begin asking, “Do I – do we live as the Church?” 

Understanding that we are the Church changes how we live!

Worship is no longer limited to a sanctuary, and ministry is no longer assigned only to leaders. Every believer becomes a carrier of God’s Spirit - presence, love, and truth into the world. The Church does not close its doors - because it walks out in us. Wherever we go this week, Jesus Christ’s Church goes with us.