Video Transcript: DNA Part One: Dr. Chip Bennett

Who We Are & Why We Do What We Do

Over the last few years—probably about four or five now—I made a commitment.

At the start of every new year, I would preach a series about:

• Who we are as a church
• What we believe
• Why we do the things we do

And I can tell you—this series has been hugely successful for so many people.

A Perfect Time for Newcomers

At the beginning of every year, we always have first-time visitors.

Maybe you promised your mom you’d go back to church this year.

Maybe life circumstances brought you here.

Maybe opening up a new campus caught your attention.

Whatever the reason, if you’re new here—or watching online for the first time—
this is a great time to be with us.

Because in just a few weeks,
you’ll get a clear picture of who we are and what we stand for.

And that will help you decide:

Is Grace the church for me?

Not Every Church is for Everyone—And That’s Okay

Now, as a pastor, of course, I want everybody to come to Grace.

But I also know—Grace may not be for everybody.

And that’s okay.

I care more about what’s best for you
than just adding another seat in the pews.

This series will help you decide
if this is the place where you and your family can grow in faith.

Why This Series Matters for Everyone

This isn’t just for newcomers.

Even if you’ve been here for less than a year,
this series will help you understand everything about our church culture.

In fact, over the years, I’ve noticed something:

People who join us in the middle of the year are so thankful for this series.

Because they finally go:

"Ohhh, now I get it!"

And this year is even more unique.

Many of you joined us online when we weren’t meeting in person.

Now that we’re back together,
this is the perfect time to make sure we’re all on the same page
and moving forward together.

The Importance of Clear Leadership

I’m convinced of this:

Leadership matters.

And clear direction matters.

That’s why, at the beginning of every year,
I think it’s so important to revisit:

• Why we do what we do
• Why we say we want to reach the unchurched
• Why we believe in being intentional neighbors who reflect Christ

If you’ve been here for a while, you already know:

That’s our mission.

And over the next few weeks, we’re going to dive into what that really means.

Why “DNA”?

You might be wondering:

"Why did you call this series ‘DNA’?"

Well, last year, we kicked off the year with a series called Culture.

And let me tell you—

That series was incredible.

We printed cards.
We had groups lined up.
We were ready to go.

And then—

COVID hit.

And everything we had planned just stopped.

And I thought—Man, that was such a good series.

We barely scratched the surface before the world flipped upside down.

So this year, I was thinking:

"What should we do? How do we start strong?"

And then, about a month ago, I was reading about DNA.

And I saw this definition:

DNA is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions
for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.

And I thought—YES.

That’s exactly what we need to talk about.

Because at Grace Church, our DNA is what shapes:

• How we develop people
• How we function as a church
• How we grow
• How we reproduce disciples

And I want to make sure that everything we do
is biblically based and pleasing to the Lord.

We Can Look at the World in Two Ways

Right now, we have two choices:

1. We can look at the world and be dismayed.
2. Or we can look at the world and see an incredible opportunity.

As Christians, we already know how the story ends.

We’re on the winning team.

So rather than getting discouraged,
we should be saying—

"Look at all the people out there who need Jesus!"

And as your pastor, I want to make sure:

• We know where we’re going.
• We have clear leadership.
• And most importantly—we are a church that pleases God.

2020 Was Tough—Let’s Be Honest

Now look—maybe some of you are tougher than me,
but let’s be honest—

2020 was rough.

For some of you, it was the first time in years
you had to spend that much time with your kids.

(And if we’re being real, some of you thought—
"I love these little people, but I could use a break.")

For months, everything felt uncertain.

Then, we got to 2021 and thought,
"Alright, fresh start!"

And then—this last week happened.

And no matter where you stand politically,
we all feel it.

There’s division.
There’s tension.
There’s anxiety.

And I thought—

"Okay, we’re starting this new series…
but the world feels like it’s falling apart."

And then I realized—

That’s exactly why we need to do this series.

The Most Important Institution in the World

Because listen to me—

The most important institution in the world
is not the White House.

It’s God’s house.

This world isn’t going to be changed
by what happens in Washington.

It’s going to be changed
by what happens in the church.

So we have to block out the noise
and get focused on what God has called us to do.

What Do People Think About Church?

As a pastor, I hear people say all the time:

"The church? That’s just a place full of rules and regulations."

Or—

"The church just wants your money."

Or—

"The church is a courtroom."

And that’s heartbreaking.

Because that’s not what the church is supposed to be.

So What Is the Church?

Over the next few weeks,
we’re going to talk about what the church really is.

• It’s not about rules.
• It’s not about money.
• It’s not a courtroom.

It’s about being the body of Christ.

And if we can truly understand our DNA,
then we will become the church God has called us to be.

So I invite you—

Join us in this series.
Lean in.
Get excited.

Because God is up to something big.

And I cannot wait to see what He does next.

What the Church Really Is

Some people think the church is a courtroom.

"I walked in, and I saw everybody looking at me—judging me. Watching to see what kind of tattoo I had or if I had a nose ring. I saw those laser eyes staring me down."

Listen—the church is not a courtroom.

I’m not saying it doesn’t feel like that sometimes,
but that’s not what the church is meant to be.

Others say:

"I know what the church is. It’s just a group of people who believe in some make-believe fairy tale God. A bunch of people who believe in some pie-in-the-sky deity that doesn’t exist."

None of those things are true.

But what I do know is that when I ask people about the church,
they often don’t really know.

The Church is Not a Building—It’s a People

The church is not a building.

It’s people.

People who have been redeemed by the Lord.

And if you’ve ever been to Israel with me, you know this.

(And if you haven’t been—I’m sorry! We’re not going this year,
but God willing, we’ll go again next year.)

When we go to Caesarea Philippi,
we stand in front of this huge rock where Peter—the apostle—made a statement in Matthew 16.

Jesus asked, “Who do people say that I am?”

And Peter answered:

“I know who you are. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

And Jesus replied:

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah.
You didn’t come to that conclusion on your own.
That was revealed to you by my Father in heaven.

And you know what?

You are Peter, and on this rock—that confession you just made—
I will build my church.”

If Anyone Knew About the Church, It Was Peter

If anyone knew about the church, it was Peter.

And he wrote two epistles—not just for first-century Christians,
but for you and me today.

In 1 Peter 1, he talks about coming to faith—what it means and what it looks like.

But in chapter 2, he tells us what the church really is.

So let’s take some time and go through this passage together.

If you’re new to Grace, this is what we do.

• We look at a lot of Scripture.
• We talk about what it means.
• And I try to give you practical takeaways for everyday life.

I don’t stand up here and preach my opinions.

I ask, “God, what does Your Word say?”
And then I do my best to teach it to His people.

What Does 1 Peter 2 Say About the Church?

Peter says:

“As you come to Him…”

Now, pause—what does that mean?

Peter isn’t talking about coming to Jesus for salvation.

He’s writing to Christians.

He’s saying:

“You—together as a group—are coming to Jesus.”

Because the church isn’t just “me.”

The church is “us.”

That’s why in the Lord’s Prayer,
we don’t say “My Father, who art in heaven”.

We say:

“Our Father.”

We do this together.

And listen—some Christians say,
"I don’t need the church. I can do this on my own. I’m a lone ranger."

Well, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

We need each other.

Jesus is the Living Stone

Peter continues:

“As you come to Him, a living stone, rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious…”

I want to highlight something:

Peter calls Jesus a “living stone.”

Now, let’s think about that.

There’s no such thing as a living stone.

That’s an oxymoron.

Stones are dead. They’re inanimate objects.

So why does Peter use this phrase?

Because he’s about to explain that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church.

Back in ancient times, when builders constructed a building,
they started with a cornerstone.

And if the cornerstone was off,
then the entire building was off.

Peter is saying:

Jesus is our cornerstone.

If we’re not built on Him, everything is off.

We Are Living Stones Too

Peter goes on:

“You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house…”

Did you catch that?

We are also called living stones.

Jesus is the cornerstone,
and we are being built on Him.

“You are being built up as a spiritual house.”

This isn’t a physical temple.

Because the church isn’t a building.

We gather in buildings.

But we—the people—are the church.

The Church is Global

Peter is saying:

• We are being built together.
• We are being joined together.
• We are the house of God.

And not just this church—
but churches all over Florida…
churches across the United States…
and churches around the world.

We are all part of something much bigger than ourselves.

What This Means for Us

So what does this mean for us today?

It means:

1. The church is not a courtroom.

   • You are not judged by your past.
   • You are not judged by your mistakes.
   • You are redeemed by Jesus Christ.

2. The church is not a building.

   • We don’t come to church—we are the church.
   • Church isn’t just Sunday mornings—it’s how we live every day.

3. The church is built on Jesus.

   • If He is not our foundation, everything is off.
   • When we are built on Him, we are strong, secure, and unshakable.

Built on the Cornerstone: The Church’s True Identity

God is building His church—not with bricks and mortar, but with you and me.

We are living stones.

And what are we called to be?

A Holy Priesthood

In the Old Testament, only a select group of people could be priests.

You had to have the right lineage.

Most of us? We never would have made the cut.

The priests had a unique role:

• They offered sacrifices.
• They stood between God and the people.
• They connected people to God.

But now—through Jesus—we are all priests.

You and me.

We are called to be built on the Living Stone of Jesus.

Not a physical temple…
Not a religious system…
Not a denomination…

We are being built together to be a spiritual house for the Lord.

And our job?

To connect people to God.

Offering Spiritual Sacrifices

What do priests do?

They offer sacrifices.

But in the New Testament, those sacrifices are spiritual.

• Prayer.
• Forgiveness.
• Evangelism.
• Loving others.
• Caring for people.
• Generosity.

We are called to be stones, fitted together on the foundation of Jesus.

Why?

So we can be a holy priesthood.

Imagine—just imagine—if every Christian in America realized this.

If we understood that we are called to be priests.

• Maybe we would speak differently.
• Maybe we would fight about different things.
• Maybe the way we talk about others would change.

If we understood that we are called to connect people to God,
it would change the way we live.

We are a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God.

Not just doing whatever we feel like doing,
but offering what is acceptable to Him—through Jesus Christ.

The Foundation of the Church

Peter continues:

“For it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

This is the message of the church.

It’s not about all the clutter and white noise.

It’s not about a list of rules or religious regulations.

It’s about one thing:

“Do you believe in Him?”

That’s the bottom line.

It’s not about:

• How many good things you’ve done.
• How much money you’ve given.
• How many Bible verses you know.

The question is:

Do you believe that Jesus is the only one who can save you from your sins?

That’s what makes us Christians.

It’s what Christ has done for us,
and whether or not we trust Him.

You Will Never Be Put to Shame

Peter says:

“Whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

But let’s be honest.

So many Christians feel like God has let them down.

I see it in their eyes.

I hear it in their words.

They feel like:

• The world is out of control.
• God isn’t answering their prayers.
• Everything is falling apart.

But let me tell you something:

If you are a child of God, do not go by what you see.

Go by what God has promised.

He says:

You will never be put to shame.

Never.

Honor and Shame in God’s Kingdom

Notice the contrast here:

• Shame for those who reject Him.
• Honor for those who believe in Him.

Back then, they lived in an honor-shame society.

They understood this language.

Today? Not so much.

But Peter is clear:

“The honor is for you who believe.”

If you believe,
if you trust in Jesus,
you will be honored.

But for those who don’t believe?

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

They are building their lives on something else.

But the only foundation that lasts is Jesus.

A Stone of Stumbling

“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”

Jesus is offensive.

Not because of us…
Not because of our opinions…
Not because of how we act…

He is offensive because He is the truth.

People stumble over Jesus because He demands something of them.

• He calls us to surrender.
• He calls us to follow Him.
• He calls us to trust Him completely.

And Peter says:

“They stumble because they disobey the Word, as they were destined to do.”

Listen—if you reject God’s Word,
you are destined to stumble.

Every time.

But You…

Peter shifts the focus:

“But you…”

Who’s the “you”?

Those who have come to Jesus—the Living Stone.

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.”

Why?

Why did God choose you?

“That you may proclaim the excellencies of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

That’s the mission of the church.

To proclaim His excellencies.

The Church’s True Purpose

We are called to be a people who:

• Come to Jesus daily.
• Build our lives on Him.
• Tell the world how He changed us.

“Let me tell you about the One who changed my life.”

That’s what we do.

We don’t waste time fighting about clutter.

We don’t get distracted by white noise.

We fix our eyes on Jesus.

“Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people.”

The Church: A Life-Saving Station, Not a Social Club

We often forget where we were before Jesus found us.

We receive grace but are slow to extend it.

Maybe that’s why Peter wrote this—to remind us.

“Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

This is our identity as the church.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Church is a Spiritual House

The church is not a building.

It is people—followers of Jesus—built together as a spiritual house.

Peter writes:

“You, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house.”

We are being fashioned together for God’s purpose.

Not just doing our own thing…
Not just pursuing personal comfort…

We are following the direction of Jesus, the cornerstone.

We are built together to proclaim His glory.

That’s our focus.

We don’t gather to:

• Talk about politics.
• Debate secondary issues.
• Push personal agendas.

We gather to talk about Jesus—the only one who can save.

And what we do matters.

• We are being equipped.
• We are being taught.
• We are being built into the people God has called us to be.

2. The Church is Made Up of Redeemed People

We must never forget where we came from.

We were once:

• Far from God.
• Lost in darkness.
• Without hope.

But Peter reminds us:

“Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people.”

We didn’t earn our place.

We didn’t deserve His mercy.

Yet, He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

That’s the mindset we should have when we look at the world.

• Not judgmental.
• Not self-righteous.
• But compassionate.

“The gospel didn’t reach me because someone condemned me.
The gospel reached me because someone told me about Jesus.”

People don’t need:

• A list of rules.
• A checklist of dos and don’ts.
• A lecture on how they’ve failed.

They need the good news—the message that Jesus died for them and rose again.

That’s what changes hearts.

That’s what brings people to life.

3. The Church is a Holy Priesthood

Peter says:

“You are a holy priesthood.”

Priests connect people to God.

That is our calling.

Imagine if every Christian in America took this seriously:

• If we saw every conversation as an opportunity to connect someone to Jesus…
• If we saw our workplaces as places where we could shine God’s light…
• If we saw our neighborhoods as mission fields…

How different would our world look?

We are not called to argue about the latest controversy.

We are called to:

• Reflect Jesus.
• Speak truth in love.
• Point people to the Savior.

That is the calling of the church.

4. The Church Proclaims Jesus

Peter writes:

“You are a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness.”

What is our mission?

To proclaim Jesus.

Not to:

• Get distracted by worldly debates.
• Focus on what’s wrong with society.
• Turn the church into a social club.

Our message is simple:

“Let me tell you about the One who changed my life.”

That is the heartbeat of the church.

That is why we exist.

And that is what Grace Community Church will be about.

The Church Must Be a Life-Saving Station

Every year, I read this story.

Not just for you.

For me.

To remind myself why I do what I do.

The Story of the Life-Saving Station

On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occurred,
there was a small, crude life-saving station.

• Just one hut.
• Just one boat.
• But a few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea.

With no thought of themselves,
they went out day and night,
tirelessly searching for the lost.

Because of their efforts, many lives were saved.

Their station became famous.

But Then…

• Some of those who were saved wanted to join.
• They gave money.
• They built new boats.
• They trained new crews.

The station began to grow.

Some members thought:

“This hut is too small. It’s too crude.”

So they built a bigger building…
and added more furniture…
and made it more comfortable.

Soon, it became a social gathering place.

Fewer members were interested in rescue work.

So they hired lifeboat crews to do it for them.

Then One Day…

A large shipwreck occurred.

The hired crews brought in boatloads of half-drowned people.

• They were dirty.
• They were sick.
• They looked different.

The beautiful club was thrown into chaos.

So the members built a shower house outside…

…to clean the people up before letting them inside.

A Vote Was Taken

• Most of the members decided to stop rescue work.
• It was too messy.
• It was a hindrance to their social life.

A small group protested:

“Saving lives is our primary mission!”

They were told:

“If you want to rescue people, go start your own station down the coast.”

So they did.

And the Cycle Repeated…

As the years went by, the new station experienced the same changes.

It evolved into a club.

Yet another life-saving station was founded.

Today, if you visit that coast, you will find many exclusive clubs.

But shipwrecks are still frequent…
And most of the people drown.

Grace Community Church Will Be a Life-Saving Station

We will not become a social club.

We will not turn inward.

We will not focus on what is comfortable.

We will be a church that:

• Reaches the lost.
• Preaches the gospel.
• Loves the broken.
• Proclaims Jesus.

That is what this world needs.

You want to see the world change?
Start here.

• Tell people about Jesus.
• Pray with urgency.
• Be transformed by God’s Word.
• Live in a way that reflects Christ.

Because the only one who can change a human heart
is the Galilean carpenter who went to the cross,
died for our sins,
and rose again on the third day.

That is our message.

That is our mission.

And as long as I am here,
as long as these lights are on,

this church will be a life-saving station.