When the general public hear the word church, the very first thing they suspect of is a specific sort of building. But let’s see what Christ related about the church so we can understand its biblical meaning. In Matthew 16:18, the Lord announced, “.
I’m going to build my church ; and the gates of hell shall not overcome against it” ( KJV ). He clearly had in mind something much bigger than a trifling architectural structure.
Essentially, He was referring to the entire body of Christ, which comprises all followers worldwide – everybody who, having trusted Jesus as personal Savior, is a kid of the heavenly Father. The church commenced on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came and anointed a group of Jesus’ supporters. ( Act two ) it will continue till an event called the Rapture of the church, when each follower in Jesus Christ is caught up to meet Him in the sky. ( one Thessalonians 4:17 ) The church isn’t just a place for social action or fellowship, though these are vital facets of its purpose. Rather, the church is the complete body of Christ, filled and enabled – both corporately and individually – by the Holy Spirit to execute the task chosen by Jesus Himself. ( Matthew 28:19-20 ) Particularly , the work and ministry of the church is to bring folk to a saving data of Jesus Christ and to make followers, teaching them and growing them up in the things of God.
Our responsibility is to obey. Have you asked yourself what role you should be playing in the ministry of the church?