Rick Baxter | The Church — From Spectators to Members of Christ's Body | September 20, 2026

What if attending church every Sunday isn't the same as being truly connected to the body of Christ? In this sermon, Rick Baxter challenges us to look beyond attendance, sermons, and Christian content to rediscover what Christ created His church to be: a living body in which every member matters. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11–16, we are reminded that the church is not an audience watching a few people do ministry. It is a body in which every Christian is called to serve, encourage, carry burdens, and help others grow in Christ. This message also explores the importance of genuine fellowship, the danger of spiritual isolation, and why being willing to receive help is just as important as serving others. In this sermon, we'll consider: Why attendance and spiritual connection are not the same. What Ephesians 4 teaches about the purpose of the church. Why every Christian has a necessary role in the body of Christ. How genuine fellowship involves shared burdens and mutual care. Why past wounds should not lead us to reject the entire body. How to move from watching the church to actively functioning within it. Speaker: Rick Baxter Church: Sandstone Church of Christ Date: September 20, 2026 Main Scripture: Ephesians 4:11–16 The church was never meant to be a place where we simply sit, listen, and leave unchanged. Who is Christ forming through you—and are you allowing His body to help form you? #SandstoneChurchOfChrist #TheChurch #BodyOfChrist #ChristianFellowship #Ephesians4