The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people.
1Ti 3:15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH
ACTS 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church:
The Fellowship of the Believers
Act 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be
- Teaching biblical doctrine,
- Providing a place of fellowship for believers,
- Observing the Lord’s supper, and
- Praying.
The church is to teach biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith.
Eph 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.”
The church is to be a place of fellowship,
Where Christians can be devoted to one another and honour one another (Rom 12:10),
Instruct one another (Romans 15:14),
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph 4:32),
Encourage one another (1 Thes 5:11)
Most importantly, love one another (1 John 3:11).
The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Cor 11:23-26)
The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer.
Phil 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The commission given to the Church is proclaiming the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ .
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The church is called to be faithful in sharing the gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a “lighthouse” in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the gospel.
1Pe 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Vision
- To obey the very Word of the Lord and preach the living Gospel of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
- To ensure that every born again believer never remains a convert but becomes an active FRUIT BEARING disciple of Jesus.
- To prepare God’s people for works of service, in order that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. (Eph 4:12)
SO WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE
Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Col 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Col 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Ps 138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psa 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
1 COR 12:17-25 – TPT
18 But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires. 19 A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn’t be a body at all! 20 So now we see that there are many differing parts and functions, but one body.
21 It would be wrong for the eye to say to the hand, “I don’t need you,” and equally wrong if the head said to the foot, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, the weaker our parts, the more vital and essential they are. 23 The body parts we think are less honourable we treat with greater respect. And the body parts that need to be covered in public we treat with propriety and clothe them. 24 But some of our body parts don’t require as much attention. Instead, God has mingled the body parts together, giving greater honour to the “lesser” members who lacked it. 25 He has done this intentionally so that every member would look after the others with mutual concern, and so that there will be no division in the body.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Jesus declared his purpose…….
John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
John 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
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