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What is the Church According to the Bible – Viral Believer
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What is the Church According to the Bible

The church is an integral part of the Christian faith. It is a place where believers gather together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith. The church provides a sense of community and support, and it is a place where believers can serve others and make a difference in the world.

The Bible provides us with a clear understanding of what the church is, its purpose, structure, and mission. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about the church. We will examine the various definitions of the term “church,” the origin and purpose of the church, the structure and organization of the church, the mission of the church, and the church as the body of Christ. We will also discuss why it is important for Christians to be a part of a biblical church and how we can fulfill the mission that God has given us as members of the body of Christ.

As we explore these topics, we will see that the church is not just a building or an institution, but a community of believers who are called to worship God, love one another and serve others. The church is a place where we can grow in our faith, find support, and make a difference in the world. We hope that this blog post will help you to gain a deeper understanding of what the church is and why it is so important in the Christian faith.

church in the Bible

Defining the Term “Church”

The term “church” comes from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “called out ones.” It refers to a group of believers who are called out of the world to come together to worship God. The term is used in the New Testament to refer to the body of Christ, which is made up of all believers.

In the Bible, the term “church” is used in two different ways. First, it is used to refer to the universal church, which is made up of all believers throughout history. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This passage refers to the universal church, which is made up of all believers.

Second, the term “church” is used to refer to local congregations. In Acts 14:23, we read that Paul and Barnabas “appointed elders for them in each church.” This passage refers to the local churches in the cities where Paul and Barnabas preached.

Ultimately, the church is the people of God who are called to worship him, love him, and obey him. The church is not a building or an institution, but a community of believers who are committed to one another and to God.

The Origin and Purpose of the Church

The church can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it is referred to as the assembly of Israel (Deuteronomy 23:1-3). In the New Testament, the church was established by Jesus Christ, who said in Matthew 16:18, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

The purpose of the church is to worship God, spread the gospel, and make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

The church is also called to love and serve others. In Mark 12:30-31, Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

The Structure and Organization of the Church

The Bible provides us with a clear leadership structure for the church. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the qualifications for the overseer (also known as the bishop or pastor) are outlined. The deacons are also mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, where their qualifications are listed.

The church is organized into local congregations, with each congregation having its own leadership structure. In Acts 14:23, we see that the apostles appointed elders in every church. These elders were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation.

The church is also called to be a community of believers who support one another and hold one another accountable. In Galatians 6:2, we read, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This passage highlights the importance of supporting and caring for one another within the church.

The Mission of the Church

The mission of the church is to spread the gospel, make disciples, and serve others. In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands his disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” The church is called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who do not yet believe.

The church is also called to make disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Discipleship involves teaching and training new believers to grow in their faith and to become more like Christ.

The church is also called to love and serve others. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus says, “For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.” The church is called to care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those around us.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The church is described as the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of each member of the church, with each member having a specific role to play. The unity and diversity of the church are also highlighted in this passage.

Just as the body is made up of many parts, the church is made up of many members, each with its own unique gifts and abilities. The body cannot function properly if any part is missing or not functioning properly, and the same is true for the church. Each member of the church is important and has a vital role to play in the life of the church.

The body metaphor also highlights the unity and diversity of the church. While each member is unique, they are all part of the same body and are all working together for the same purpose. This metaphor encourages us to value and appreciate the diversity within the church while also emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the church is a vital and essential part of the Christian faith. As we have seen, the Bible provides us with a clear understanding of what the church is, its purpose, structure, and mission. The church is not just a building or an institution, but a community of believers who are called to worship God, love one another and serve others.

As Christians, it is important for us to be a part of a biblical church. The church provides us with the support, encouragement, and accountability that we need to grow in our faith. It is a place where we can worship God, learn from his Word, and serve others. By being a part of a biblical church, we can fulfill the mission that God has given us, which is to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

Finally, we must remember that the church is not perfect. It is made up of imperfect people who make mistakes and fall short of God’s standards. However, we must strive to be a community of believers who love one another, forgive one another, and work together for the sake of the gospel. As we do so, we can fulfill the mission that God has given us and make a difference in the world. May we be faithful members of the body of Christ, serving him and one another with all our hearts, minds, and souls.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.