Quick Summary
- The church is the body of Christ—all believers worldwide
- Church isn't a building; it's the people of God
- Jesus founded the church and is its head
- The church has a mission: worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, evangelism
- Every believer is part of the universal church
The Church: Not a Building, But a Body
"Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior."
Ephesians 5:23The church isn't a building, denomination, or institution. The church is people—every person who has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior.
Two Types of Church
| Universal Church | Local Church |
|---|---|
| All believers everywhere, throughout history | A specific group of believers gathering in one place |
| Invisible—only God knows who belongs | Visible—you can see and identify members |
| Global and eternal | Local and temporal |
| United by faith in Christ | United by membership and covenant |
Biblical Images of the Church
1. Body of Christ
Jesus is the head, believers are members. Each part is needed and has a function.
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Cor 12:27)2. Bride of Christ
The church is Jesus' beloved bride. He loves, purifies, and will return for her.
"Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Eph 5:25)3. Family of God
Believers are brothers and sisters with God as Father. We're adopted into His family.
"Members of God's household" (Eph 2:19)4. Building/Temple
Christ is the cornerstone, apostles/prophets the foundation, believers are living stones.
"You are...God's building" (1 Cor 3:9)5. Flock
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, believers are His sheep who hear His voice and follow.
"I am the good shepherd" (John 10:14)The Five Purposes of the Church
Worship
Glorifying God through praise, prayer, and living lives that honor Him.
"Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness" (Psalm 29:2)Fellowship
Loving and supporting one another as the family of God.
"They devoted themselves to...fellowship" (Acts 2:42)Discipleship
Growing spiritually through teaching, learning, and applying God's Word.
"Make disciples of all nations...teaching them" (Matt 28:19-20)Ministry/Service
Using spiritual gifts to serve one another and meet needs.
"Serve one another humbly in love" (Gal 5:13)Evangelism
Sharing the gospel and making Christ known to the world.
"Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19)The Church's Foundation
- Founded by Jesus: "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18)
- Built on Christ: Jesus is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20)
- Empowered by the Spirit: The Spirit indwells and gifts the church (Acts 2)
- Guided by Scripture: The Word is the church's authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Why Church Membership Matters
- Biblical Command: Scripture assumes church membership and accountability
- Spiritual Protection: Elders shepherd and protect the flock (Hebrews 13:17)
- Mutual Care: Members bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Unified Mission: Together we accomplish more than alone
- Covenant Commitment: Membership formalizes commitment to a body
Remember:
- You can't be a Christian without being part of the church
- The church is Christ's body—to reject the church is to reject Christ
- No church is perfect because it's made of imperfect people
- Find and commit to a local church—you need them, they need you