A church is a gathering of those redeemed through Jesus’ blood from their bondage to sin and Satan. Slaves to sin and Satan are dead in sin, unable to live for the Lord. To be raised to new life requires more than the blood of Jesus Christ; it requires also the renewing work of his Holy Spirit. Christ controls the Spirit and his work, meaning that Christ empowers his churches through his Spirit to live as renewed people.
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.