The church is the community of
believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God
in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together
for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration
of the Lord’s Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide
proclamation of the gospel.
The church derives its authority from
Christ , who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the
written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by him as children, its
members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of
Christ, a community of faith of which Christ himself is the head. The church is
the bride for whom Christ died that he might sanctify and cleanse her. At his
return in triumph, he will present her to himself a glorious church, the
faithful of all ages, the purchase of his blood, not having a spot or a
wrinkle, but holy and without blemish.
When we become
Christians, we become a part of Christ’s church. The church is described as
Christ’s body, and he is the head. Church members need to keep in close contact
with Christ and with each other through meeting regularly for worship.
ØThe church is Christ’s body. 1
Corinthians 12:12-13
ØChrist is the head. Ephesians 1:22-23
ØThe church is also described as
Christ's bride which he is preparing for the great marriage in heaven. 2
Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7-8
ØAcceptance of Christ brings adoption
into the family of God. John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:19-22
ØAcceptance of Christ leads to
separation from worldly practices. 1 John 2:15, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
ØGod had a special congregation in Old
Testament times too. Genesis 12:3, Acts 7:38
ØChristians need to meet together for
worship and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25
ØWe should invest our gifts, energies,
and abilities in building up the church. Ephesians 4:11-15
Christ has given his
church authority and a mission on the earth. Its authority is founded upon
himself as the Word of God, and upon his word, the Bible.
ØMy mission as a church member is to
lead others from the world into Christ’s church. Matthew 28:19-20
ØIn answer to prayers, Christ gives his
church the ability to make decisions in harmony with his will. Matt 16:13-20
Social Plugin