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What is Church in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Church in the Bible?

Introduction

The concept of the church is an integral part of the Christian faith, as it represents the body of believers who come together to worship and serve God.

In the Bible, the word “church” is used in various contexts, and understanding its meaning and significance is crucial for believers to grow in their faith and develop a strong relationship with God. In this blog post, we will delve into the biblical understanding of the church, its purpose, and its role in the lives of believers.

By doing so, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the church as described in the Bible, particularly in the New King James Version (NKJV).

The term “church” is derived from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “a gathering” or “assembly.” In the context of the Bible, the church refers to a group of individuals who have been called out of the world and united in their faith in Jesus Christ.

The church is not merely a physical building or institution, but rather a spiritual body comprising believers who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

In order to gain a better understanding of the church in the Bible, we must first explore its origin, purpose, and significance.

We will examine various passages from the New Testament that highlight the establishment of the church, its role in the spiritual growth of believers, and the importance of fellowship and community in the life of a Christian.

By doing so, we hope to provide a solid biblical foundation for understanding the church and its vital role in the lives of believers.

church in the Bible

The Origin and Purpose of the Church

The first church in the Bible was established in Jerusalem shortly after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:42-47, we see the early believers coming together to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

This description of the early church provides valuable insight into the core purpose of the church, which is to enable believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. For a more detailed account of the first church, you may refer to our article on “What Was the First Church in the Bible?”

In Ephesians 4:11-16, the Apostle Paul outlines the purpose of the church as equipping believers for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ, and promoting unity and maturity in the faith.

These objectives are achieved through the teaching of the Word, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and the mutual encouragement and support of fellow believers. For a deeper exploration of the biblical perspective on the church’s purpose, check out our article on “What Does the Bible Say About Church?”

The Role of Fellowship and Community in the Church

The church is not only a place for learning and growth but also a community of believers who support and encourage one another in their walk with Christ.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, believers are instructed to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, and not to neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some. The church community plays a critical role in providing faith-based direction and fostering spiritual growth among its members.

Acts 2:44-47 highlights the importance of fellowship, as the early believers shared their possessions, ate together, and worshiped God in unity. This sense of unity and camaraderie is essential for the spiritual health of individual believers and the church as a whole.

The church gathering is an opportunity for believers to connect, share their experiences, and support one another in their spiritual journey. For more insights on the purpose of church gatherings, we invite you to read our article on “The Purpose of the Church Gathering.”

Moreover, the church serves as a platform for believers to exercise their spiritual gifts and talents, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

Each believer has unique gifts from the Holy Spirit that are meant to be used for the edification of the church and the furtherance of the kingdom of God. The church community provides the necessary environment for believers to discover, develop, and utilize their gifts for the benefit of the entire body of Christ.

The Significance of the Church in the Life of a Believer

The church is an essential element of the Christian faith, as it facilitates the spiritual growth and development of believers. By participating in the life of the church, believers can deepen their relationship with God, grow in their knowledge of the Word, and experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Being part of a church community also enables believers to experience the love, grace, and mercy of God in a tangible way, as they interact with fellow Christians who serve as a reflection of God’s love.

Through the church, believers can find comfort, encouragement, and strength during difficult times, as well as share in the joys and victories of their fellow believers.

In addition, the church serves as a beacon of hope and light in a world that is often filled with darkness and despair. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and service, the church can demonstrate the love of Christ to those who are lost and hurting, inviting them to experience the life-changing power of the gospel.

For a list of Bible verses that further emphasize the importance of the church, we recommend our compilation of “Bible Verses About Church.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the church, as described in the Bible, is a spiritual body of believers who have been called out of the world and united in their faith in Jesus Christ.

The primary purpose of the church is to facilitate the growth and maturation of believers in their relationship with God, while also serving as a platform for believers to exercise their spiritual gifts and talents.

The church community plays a vital role in providing faith-based direction and fostering spiritual growth among its members.

As believers, we are called to participate in the life of the church, engaging in fellowship and community, and using our gifts for the edification of the body of Christ.

By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, deepen our relationship with God, and effectively carry out the mission of sharing the gospel with those who have yet to know Christ.

May this understanding of the church in the Bible inspire and encourage you to actively engage in the life of your local church community, as you seek to grow in your faith and fulfill your God-given purpose.

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.