Message Series: WE > ME
PART 2: BELONGING
Pastor Tom Cogle
Sunday, May 24, 2026
1 Peter 2:9-10
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”
Romans 12:5
so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all BELONG to each other.
1. I NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL WALK WITH ME.
Genesis 2:18
“It is not good for the man to be alone…”
- It’s SAFER.
- It’s SUPPORTIVE.
- “When you run alone, you run
fast. But when you run together, you run far.”
- It’s SMARTER.
Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
- BELONGING IS GOD’S ANSWER TO LONELINESS.
Acts 2:42-47
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—
47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
2. I NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL WORK WITH ME.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 4:16
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
- BELONGING IS GOD’S ANSWER TO FATIGUE.
Galatians 6:10 MSG
“Every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.”
3. I NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL FIGHT FOR ME.
Philippians 2:4
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
- BELONGING IS GOD’S ANSWER TO DEFEAT.
Ecclesiastes 4:10
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
4. I NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL CRY WITH ME.
1 Peter 3:8 TLB
And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
1 Corinthians 12:26
If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
- BELONGING IS GOD’S ANSWER TO DESPAIR.
Romans 12:15
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
5. I NEED PEOPLE WHO WILL PARTNER WITH ME.
John 15:4-5
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
- BELONGING IS GOD’S ANSWER TO
SIGNIFICANCE.
Philippians 1:27 CEV
“…You are working together and struggling side by side to get others to believe the Good News.”
Philippians 2:1-2
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
*All verses are NLT (New Living Translation) unless otherwise noted.