The Church: What is it?
Acts 9:31,
The Church as we know it today was born in the first century on the day of Pentecost, 10 days after Jesus departed earth.
It is a body of Jesus followers who recognize that they have been called out from the world by God to live as His people under the authority of Jesus Christ
The Nature
- The Church is God’s idea. It was never human and she is God’s agency for good
- God’s Spirit dwells and works within the church 1 Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:1-4, Ephesians 2:21-22
- Whenever the church gathers, God is present
- Faith is the basis for every operation
The Structure
- The body of Christ. Romans 12:4-5
- Through the Church God further manifests Himself to mankind. Ephesians 3:5
- The Church appears flawed because there are flawed people in it. God’s idea is not flawed
The Purpose
- In the church God is continually at work creating an earthly family. Ephesians 4:11-13
- Gathering of saints together for fellowship and growth to maturity
- Presenting a chosen generation separate from the world
The Church cannot be destroyed.
