THE CHURCH 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 the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.) God Has A Church It Is Not The Great Cathedral, Neither Is It The National Establishment, Neither Is It The Various Denominations; It Is Who The People Who Love God & Keep His Commandments, Where Two Or Three Are Gathered Together In My Name, There Am I In The Midst Of Them (Matt.18:20) Where Christ Is Even Among The Humble Few, This Christ Church, For The Presence Of The High & Holy One Who Inhabiteth Eternity Can Alone Constitute A Church.- Upward Look P.315 As an important factor in the spiritual growth of the new converts the apostles were careful to surround them with the safeguards of gospel order. Churches were duly organized in all places in Lycaonia and Pisidia where there were believers. Officers were appointed in each church, and proper order and system were established for the conduct of all the affairs pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the believers {Acts of Apostles, (AA) 185.2} This was in harmony with the gospel plan of uniting in one body all believers in Christ, and this plan Paul was careful to follow throughout his ministry. Those who in any place were by his labor led to accept Christ as the Saviour were at the proper time organized into a church. Even when the believers were but few in number, this was done. The Christians were thus taught to help one another, remembering the promise, Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20. {AA 185.3}
Posted on: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 08:03:51 +0000
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