Relevant Acts: The Church—What It Is and Why It Matters

Why the Church Still Matters Today
In a world where people are increasingly disillusioned with organized religion, the idea of the church can feel outdated or optional. But the truth is, the church isn’t just relevant, it’s essential.

The church is not man's invention, it was created by Jesus. As Pastor Kevin reminds us, Jesus Himself said, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The church is God’s plan for community, transformation, and mission in the world. It is more than a building or a Sunday gathering. It is a living, Spirit-empowered body, a holy nation, and a spiritual family created by God for His purposes.

What the Church Is
The church is a work of God, not just a gathering of people. From Acts 2 and 1 Peter 2, we see that:

1. We are living stones, built together into a spiritual house.
2. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people belonging to God.
3. We are not saved into isolation, we are saved into community.
4. We are the authentic presence of God in the world.

This means that when you become a Christian, you’re not just making a personal decision. You’re being placed into a global, multicultural family. And that family is alive and well in Orlando and around the world.

What the Church Does
While what the church is comes from Jesus, what the church does is where human hands come in and sometimes fall short. This is where denominations form, styles differ, and disagreements arise. But the core mission stays the same:

1. We preach and teach truth.
2. We worship, pray, and take part in sacraments like baptism and communion.
3. We serve the poor, disciple new believers, and fellowship in love.
4. We are called to be a witness, in our city, in our workplaces, and in our homes.

Even when churches do things imperfectly, it doesn’t change the fact that God's plan A is still the church, and there is no plan B.

One Church, Many Expressions
A powerful theme is unity. While there are many denominations and expressions of faith, if we gather around Jesus and the truth of God’s Word, we are one church. This is critical in a city like Orlando, where diversity is our strength. The Book of Acts shows us from the start that the church was always meant to be multiethnic, multigenerational, and spirit-led.
So whether you're Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Brazilian, Italian, or Ethiopian, whether you come from a Catholic, Baptist, Assemblies of God, or non-denominational background, you belong. The church is bigger than your past, your preferences, or your pain.

You’ve Found Your People
One of the most powerful truths is this:
“You were once not a people, but now you are the people of God.”
In a time when people are more isolated than ever, Jesus invites us into something bigger than ourselves. Into a body. Into a mission. Into a holy community.
At Calvary Orlando, we are committed to being that kind of church, one that gathers around Jesus, embraces all people, and shines the authentic presence of God in our city and beyond.

Still the Church. Still the Mission.
From the very beginning, God designed the church to be a people, not just a place. A spiritual family. A witness to the world. That hasn’t changed. No matter your story, there’s still a place for you in the body of Christ. This is who we are. This is why the church still matters.

PASTOR KEVIN'S SERMON NOTES
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