What is Church?
For most people today the word "church" represents the building where religious people gather to hold their meetings or services. But did you know that this understanding of the word "church" is incorrect?
In the Bible, the word “church” never means a meeting building or a house of prayer. According to the Bible, the church is a gathering or assembly of people who believe in Jesus Christ and have been sanctified by God. The church consists of people who repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ, received water baptism, and serve God. The Apostle Paul defines the Church in the beginning of his First Epistle to the Corinthians. He writes about the Church as follows:
1Cor.1:1-2 "Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." (KJV)
1Cor.1:1-2 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours." (WEB)
Based on this text, we can see that the Church of God is the Assembly of God. It consists of people sanctified in Christ Jesus. The church is made up of people who have been called and sanctified by God. It consists of people for whom Jesus Christ is Lord and who call on His name.
Universal and Local Church
There is a universal or worldwide Church that consists of all believers in Jesus Christ throughout the entire earth. Everyone who truly repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ, and called Him their Lord, is a member of such a Church. This worldwide Church of God is made up of smaller churches in different cities. Man joins the worldwide Church of God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. A person joins the local church through water baptism and personal request (Acts 2:41).
Foundations of the Church
The church is also referred to in Scripture as God's building and God's temple. The foundation of this temple, consisting of "living stones", that is, believing people, is Jesus Christ himself, as well as His apostles and prophets:
1Cor.3:11 "For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ."
1Pet.2:3-5 "If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious: coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Eph.2:19-22 "So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit."
Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets are our foundation. This means that we must imitate their example and live as they taught. The teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets are recorded in the New Testament.
Why Does the Church Exists?
Jesus said these words, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, KJV). Why did Jesus built His church on earth? Why didn't Jesus take His disciples with Him when He ascended to heaven after His resurrection? Why did He leave them on earth? If we carefully read the Bible, we will see that Jesus had a purpose for which He left His disciples on earth, and created His church in this world. So why did Jesus leave His disciples on earth and create His church? To answer this question, we need to pay attention to the life of the first church, and take some lessons for ourselves.
1) To preach the Gospel - the Good News of the Kingdom of God
First of all, the apostles, as well as ordinary believers in the first church, preached the Gospel to the people and called sinners to repentance. This is the first task for which Jesus created his church on earth:
Acts 2:38-40 "Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"
Acts 2:47b "And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved." (KJV)
Before going to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a very important task. He sent them to preach the Gospel all over the world (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16). The Gospel is Good News that Jesus died for the sins of people and rose again from the dead (1Cor.15:1-4). Now every person on earth who repents of his sins and believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can receive the remission of sins and the gift of eternal life. He can enter the Kingdom of God.
Jesus left His disciples on earth to tell the whole world about what Jesus did for people, and that they call people to repentance and salvation. After the death of the apostles, the believers who make up the church must continue to preach to people about God's salvation through Jesus Christ. The preaching of the Gospel, that is, the Good News about Jesus Christ to unbelievers, is the main task of the church. What other tasks does the church have? Let's take a look further.
2) To teach the believers and to make them disciples of Jesus
When people repented of their sins and believed in the gospel, the apostles then taught them to live righteously, fulfilling God's will. The believing people were constantly in the teaching of the apostles. But the apostles did not teach people their own teachings. They taught people the teaching of Jesus Christ. It is sometimes called the teaching of the apostles because the apostles taught it to those who believed:
Acts 2:41-42 "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."
Acts 5:42 "Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ."
So, Jesus left His disciples on earth to preach the Gospel and call people to repentance. God wants unbelievers to hear the preaching of the Gospel, repent of their sins, and believe in Him and His Son Jesus Christ. But the Lord also wants people who believe to become disciples of Jesus Christ. He wants them to be taught how to live right after they believe. Therefore, the next task of the Church is to teach the whole teaching of Jesus Christ to those who have believed . This is why there is Bible reading, sermons, and Scripture study in church meetings. This is necessary in order for believers to learn from the Word of God to do all the will of God, and to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ appointed in the Church apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers. All of them are preachers appointed to teach believers the whole teaching of Jesus Christ.
3) For fellowship of the believers
As we read about the first church, we can also see that they were in fellowship and breaking of bread. The breaking of bread was a communal supper that the believers had in their homes every day, and at which they had fellowship with each other:
Acts 2:42 "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."
Acts 2:46 "Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart."
The Lord created His church on earth so that believers may have fellowship with other believers. It is very difficult to live without fellowship. Imagine how difficult and uninteresting it would be to live if there were no church meetings, and if believers did not know each other and did not communicate with each other. Each person needs communication with those who are similar to him in their believes and faith. The Lord knows our need for fellowship, so He created the church so that we can have fellowship with other Christians. Through fellowship, we can spiritually support, strengthen, and edify one another.
Why is fellowship related to the breaking of bread? Because the closest and most open communication usually takes place at the table, while eating together. Moreover, the closest fellowship of believers with each other and with the Lord can occur during the special breaking and taking of bread, which occurs during the Lord's Supper.
4) For communal prayer and praise
The early believers also constantly dwelt in common prayers. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy how to act in the church. He wrote to him that, first of all, at church meetings, prayers should be made for all people, especially for those in power. Let's read the Scriptures that say this:
Acts 2:42 "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."
1Tim.2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth."
1Tim.3:14-15 "These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
So, the church exists on earth for the preaching of the Gospel, for the teaching of believers, and for the fellowship of believers. The church also exists so that believers can pray together and praise God together. The Bible says this:
James 5:16 "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."
The insistent prayer of even one righteous person is powerfully effective. Can you imagine how much more effective prayer of many righteous people can be, if they come together and pray for the same need? This is a prayer that is intensified many times over.
God created us for His glory (Isa. 43:7, 21). The Lord is pleased when we thank and praise Him in our personal prayers. But if we get together and praise God together, it will be much more magnificent than if we praise God one by one. Therefore, the church was created so that believers could praise and glorify God together.
The Bible says that God lives among the praises of Israel (Ps. 22:3). Where believers praise God together, there is a special presence of God. The church, as a gathering of believers, is the temple of God. Spiritual sacrifices are to be offered to God in this temple. One such sacrifice is the sacrifice of praise (1 Peter 2:5, Heb. 13:15). It pleases God when we offer Him a sacrifice of praise with other believers. The first church did just that:
Acts 2:47 "Praising God, and having favor with all the people."
5) For mutual help
Another reason for which the Lord created His church is so that believers can help each other and support each other financially in difficult times. Let's see how this was done in the first church in Jerusalem:
Acts 2:44-45 "All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need."
Acts 4:34-35 "For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need."
It is a great blessing and privilege to be in the church of God. But this is not only a spiritual blessing. Those who are in the church have many brothers and sisters in the faith who can support them in difficult times. This support can be through kind words and attention. Support can also be material. After all, different troubles happen in life. Sometimes people lose their jobs or get sick and cannot work. Then poverty and lack comes. Who will support people at such a time and help them? If these people are in the church, then they are very blessed, because the church can help them and support them with both words and material help.
Of course, in some countries the state helps the poor. But this was not the case in antiquity in most countries and cities. Even now, there are many countries where the state does not help the poor at all. But if a poor person is in church, he has many brothers and sisters who can help him.
So, let's briefly repeat with you again why Jesus Christ created His church on earth. The church was created in order to preach the Gospel to people and make believers disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to do everything that Jesus commanded. The church also exists so that Christians have fellowship with each other, can pray together and praise God together, and help each other in times of need.
Ministers of the Church
To take care of His Church, Jesus Christ appointed His servants in it. He put in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Probably the most famous word on this list is pastors or shepherds. Pastors are also called in the Bible by the words "elders" and "bishops". Pastor literally means shepherd.
Pastors or elders run local churches, preach the Word of God, take care of believers, as shepherds take care of sheep. They talk with people, instruct them, strengthen them spiritually, pray for them and help solve various problems that believers have. A deacon is elected as assistant to the presbyters.
Deacons mainly help pastors in material matters: helping the poor, maintaining a prayer house, organizing church meetings and general dinners. Sometimes deacons can help elders in spiritual ministry: visit people with them, preach, teach and instruct people.
Apostles are people who travel to other countries and areas, preach the gospel to people, plant new churches, appoint elders, and care for the churches they have founded.
Prophets are people who receive a word from God that is necessary for a specific time, and pass this word on to people. They instruct and spiritually strengthen people. Prophets also speak of the future, as the Lord reveals to them.
Evangelists or evangelists are people who preach the gospel to people and call sinners to repentance. Usually, evangelists do not plant new churches as the apostles do. Most often they invite people to existing churches. Even if a new church was founded through the ministry of the evangelist, usually the evangelist does not stay in it for long. Elders are ordained in this church, and the evangelist goes on to preach the Gospel in other localities.
Teachers are people who know the Bible very well and are able to teach others Biblical truths and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Teachers preach mainly to believers, explaining the Scriptures to them, and teaching them to live righteously. Teachers can teach on different topics in the Bible, and read and explain Scripture to believers.
Responsibilities of the People in the Church
1. Attend services of the church
Every person who is in a local church has certain responsibilities. For example, the Bible says that Christians should not leave their congregations (Heb. 10:25). We need to constantly go to meetings and not be lazy to do so. Why is it important? Because when we go to meetings, we can accomplish what Jesus created his Church for. We can teach and mentor each other, communicate, pray and praise God together, help each other and support each other spiritually and materially. We cannot do all this sitting alone in our homes. Hearing sermons via radio, telephone, or the Internet can be beneficial, but it cannot replace real personal communication with other believers.
2. Honor and obey ministers of the church
The Bible says that believers who are in a church should honor, respect and obey the pastors and teachers who are in this church (1 Pet. 5: 5). Through reverence for God's servants, we show our respect for God who appointed them. We also show through this our reverence for the Word of God that they preach. The Scriptures say that we must honor and obey the ministers so that they can do their ministry with joy instead of sighing (Hebrews 13:17). If, because of our disobedience, they will perform their ministry sighing, with despondency and without joy, then this will not benefit us.
3. Minister to each other with gifts
Ещё в Библии сказано, что мы должны служить друг другу своими дарами (1Пет.4:10). Каждый верующий человек имеет какой-то дар от Господа. Нам нужно постараться узнать, какой наш дар, и служить этим даром другим людям в церкви. Например, кто-то может проповедовать, петь, рассказывать стихи. Кто-то может помогать другим материально, или поддерживать и ободрять других добрым словом. Есть ещё много разных даров, которыми можно служить ближним. О некоторых из них вы узнаете, исследуя такие места Писания, как Римлянам 12-я глава, 1-е Коринфянам 12-14 главы, Ефесянам 4 глава и 1-е Петра 4 глава. А сейчас давайте повторим, какие обязанности есть у людей в церкви. Это – ходить на собрания; почитать и слушаться пастырей и наставников; служить друг другу своими дарами.
Membership in the Local Church
I. Through repentance and baptism in water.
Как человек может присоединиться к Церкви и стать членом Церкви? Давайте обратимся к книге Деяния Апостолов, второй главе, чтобы ответить на этот вопрос:
Деяния 2:38, 41 «Пётр же сказал им: покайтесь, и да крестится каждый из вас во имя Иисуса Христа для прощения грехов, - и получите дар Святого Духа.
Итак охотно принявшие слово его крестились, и присоединилось в тот день душ около трёх тысяч».
Куда присоединились эти люди, покаявшись и крестившись во имя Иисуса Христа? Через покаяние и крещение около 3000 людей присоединилось в День Пятидесятницы к Иерусалимской Церкви. Здесь следует заметить, что через покаяние и веру человек присоединяется к всемирной Церкви Иисуса Христа, как Телу Иисуса Христа, состоящему из всех призванных Богом людей, живущих во всём мире.
Назвав Иисуса своим Господом, человек присоединяется к Нему, как своему Главе, и становится частью Его тела – Церкви. Он приобретает особую духовную связь с Иисусом Христом и всеми членами Его Церкви (Рим.10:9-13, Еф.4:15-16). Эта связь осуществляется посредством Духа Святого (1Кор. 12:13).
Но членом конкретной поместной церкви человек становится через водное крещение, как мы видим из книги Деяния Апостолов 2:41. Как человек может присоединиться к какой-либо поместной церкви, если он уже принял водное крещение в другой поместной церкви? Следует ли ему снова принимать водное крещение? Если нет, что ему следует сделать для этого?
II. By personal request
Если водное крещение было принято в другом месте, то присоединение к церкви происходит по просьбе стать членом данной поместной церкви, и на основании хорошего свидетельства от других. Мы можем увидеть этот принцип в книге Деяния Апостолов, в девятой главе:
Деяния 9:26-27 «Савл прибыл в Иерусалим и старался пристать к ученикам; но все боялись его, не веря, что он ученик. Варнава же, взяв его, пришёл к Апостолам и рассказал им, как на пути он видел Господа, и что говорил ему Господь, и как он в Дамаске смело проповедывал во имя Иисуса».
Во Втором Послании к Коринфянам Апостол Павел пишет об одобрительных письмах. Возможно, такие письма давались членам поместной церкви, когда они переселялись в другой город на жительство, чтобы у них не было проблем с принятием в члены церкви на новом месте. Или же они давались служителям (проповедникам, учителям, евангелистам, пророкам), чтобы они были приняты в церкви, которая их не знала, и могли послужить в ней своими дарами:
2Кор.3:1 «Неужели нам снова знакомиться с вами? Неужели нужны для нас, как для некоторых, одобрительные письма к вам или от вас?».
Быть членом конкретной поместной церкви очень важно, так как это даёт верующему человеку большие возможности брать участие в жизни этой церкви. Это даёт ему возможность беспрепятственно служить в этой церкви своими дарами, брать участие в решении важных церковных вопросов, и быть поставленным на какое-то служение в этой церкви.
Church Discipline
1) Rebuke
Что происходит в случаях, когда член церкви не живёт по-христиански и начинает грешить? В Библии упоминается о трёх уровнях применения церковной дисциплины к членам церкви, не соответствующим своему званию и призванию. Первое из таких взысканий – это обличение. Оно сначала может быть сделано один на один, затем в присутствии других верующих. Об этом учил как Иисус Христос, так и Его Апостолы:
Матф.18:15-17 «Если же согрешит против тебя брат твой, пойди и ОБЛИЧИ ЕГО МЕЖДУ ТОБОЮ И ИМ ОДНИМ; если послушает тебя, то приобрел ты брата твоего; если же не послушает, возьми с собою еще одного или двух, дабы устами двух или трех свидетелей подтвердилось всякое слово; если же не послушает их, скажи церкви; а если и церкви не послушает, то да будет он тебе, как язычник и мытарь».
Иуд.1:23 «А других страхом спасайте, исторгая из огня, ОБЛИЧАЙТЕ ЖЕ СО СТРАХОМ, гнушаясь даже одеждою, которая осквернена плотью».
2Тим.4:2 «Проповедуй слово, настой во время и не во время, ОБЛИЧАЙ, ЗАПРЕЩАЙ, УВЕЩЕВАЙ СО ВСЯКИМ ДОЛГОТЕРПЕНИЕМ и назиданием».
Тит.1:13 «Свидетельство это справедливо. По сей причине ОБЛИЧАЙ ИХ СТРОГО, ДАБЫ ОНИ БЫЛИ ЗДРАВЫ В ВЕРЕ».
Тит.2:15 «Сие говори, увещевай и ОБЛИЧАЙ СО ВСЯКОЮ ВЛАСТЬЮ, чтобы никто не пренебрегал тебя».
2) Restriction of fellowship
Следующей мерой церковного взыскания является замечание. Оно обычно применяется к тем, кто не исправился после обличения. Тот, кто находится на замечании, на время теряет право на братское приветствие и общение, хотя не перестаёт быть братом. Он должен быть устыжен, наставляем и вразумляем в период, когда он находится на замечании:
2Фесс.3:10-15 «Ибо когда мы были у вас, то завещевали вам сие: если кто не хочет трудиться, тот и не ешь. Но слышим, что некоторые у вас поступают бесчинно, ничего не делают, а суетятся. Таковых увещеваем и убеждаем Господом нашим Иисусом Христом, чтобы они, работая в безмолвии, ели свой хлеб. Вы же, братия, не унывайте, делая добро. ЕСЛИ ЖЕ КТО НЕ ПОСЛУШАЕТ СЛОВА НАШЕГО В СЕМ ПОСЛАНИИ, ТОГО ИМЕЙТЕ НА ЗАМЕЧАНИИ И НЕ СООБЩАЙТЕСЬ С НИМ, ЧТОБЫ УСТЫДИТЬ ЕГО. НО НЕ СЧИТАЙТЕ ЕГО ЗА ВРАГА, А ВРАЗУМЛЯЙТЕ, КАК БРАТА».
3) Excommunication from the church
Если исправление не произошло после обличения или замечания, следующим шагом является отлучение человека от церкви. Отлучение от общества практиковалось как в Ветхом, так и в Новом Завете. Если член церкви согрешил и/или продолжает грешить грубым грехом, он может быть отлучен от церкви без предварительного обличения и замечания. Отлученный от церкви человек перестаёт быть братом, и становится как язычник и мытарь (Мт. 18:15-17). Он передаётся сатане во измождение плоти, чтобы дух был спасён в день Господа Иисуса Христа (1Кор. 5 глава). Человек, который будучи отлученным от церкви пережил на себе последствия своих грехов, покаялся и исправился, может снова быть восстановлен как член церкви:
Ездр.10:7-8 «И объявили в Иудее и в Иерусалиме всем бывшим в плену, чтоб они собрались в Иерусалим; 8а кто не придет чрез три дня, на все имение того, по определению начальствующих и старейшин, будет положено заклятие, И САМ ОН БУДЕТ ОТЛУЧЕН ОТ ОБЩЕСТВА ПЕРЕСЕЛЕНЦЕВ».
1Кор.5:1-5 «Есть верный слух, что у вас появилось блудодеяние, и притом такое блудодеяние, какого не слышно даже у язычников, что некто вместо жены имеет жену отца своего. И вы возгордились, вместо того, чтобы лучше плакать, дабы изъят был из среды вас сделавший такое дело. А я, отсутствуя телом, но присутствуя у вас духом, уже решил, как бы находясь у вас: сделавшего такое дело, в собрании вашем во имя Господа нашего Иисуса Христа, обще с моим духом, СИЛОЮ ГОСПОДА НАШЕГО ИИСУСА ХРИСТА, ПРЕДАТЬ САТАНЕ ВО ИЗМОЖДЕНИЕ ПЛОТИ, ЧТОБЫ ДУХ БЫЛ СПАСЕН В ДЕНЬ ГОСПОДА НАШЕГО ИИСУСА ХРИСТА».
1Кор.5:9-13 «Я писал вам в послании - не сообщаться с блудниками; впрочем не вообще с блудниками мира сего, или лихоимцами, или хищниками, или идолослужителями, ибо иначе надлежало бы вам выйти из мира [сего]. НО Я ПИСАЛ ВАМ НЕ СООБЩАТЬСЯ С ТЕМ, КТО, НАЗЫВАЯСЬ БРАТОМ, ОСТАЕТСЯ БЛУДНИКОМ, ИЛИ ЛИХОИМЦЕМ, ИЛИ ИДОЛОСЛУЖИТЕЛЕМ, ИЛИ ЗЛОРЕЧИВЫМ, ИЛИ ПЬЯНИЦЕЮ, ИЛИ ХИЩНИКОМ; С ТАКИМ ДАЖЕ И НЕ ЕСТЬ ВМЕСТЕ. Ибо что мне судить и внешних? Не внутренних ли вы судите? Внешних же судит Бог. ИТАК, ИЗВЕРГНИТЕ РАЗВРАЩЕННОГО ИЗ СРЕДЫ ВАС».
Быть членом Церкви Иисуса Христа – это большое преимущество и привилегия, но также и большая ответственность. Мы должны ценить Церковью Божией и возможностью находиться в ней.
For most people today the word "church" represents the building where religious people gather to hold their meetings or services. But did you know that this understanding of the word "church" is incorrect?
In the Bible, the word “church” never means a meeting building or a house of prayer. According to the Bible, the church is a gathering or assembly of people who believe in Jesus Christ and have been sanctified by God. The church consists of people who repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ, received water baptism, and serve God. The Apostle Paul defines the Church in the beginning of his First Epistle to the Corinthians. He writes about the Church as follows:
1Cor.1:1-2 "Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours." (KJV)
1Cor.1:1-2 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours." (WEB)
Based on this text, we can see that the Church of God is the Assembly of God. It consists of people sanctified in Christ Jesus. The church is made up of people who have been called and sanctified by God. It consists of people for whom Jesus Christ is Lord and who call on His name.
Universal and Local Church
There is a universal or worldwide Church that consists of all believers in Jesus Christ throughout the entire earth. Everyone who truly repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ, and called Him their Lord, is a member of such a Church. This worldwide Church of God is made up of smaller churches in different cities. Man joins the worldwide Church of God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. A person joins the local church through water baptism and personal request (Acts 2:41).
Foundations of the Church
The church is also referred to in Scripture as God's building and God's temple. The foundation of this temple, consisting of "living stones", that is, believing people, is Jesus Christ himself, as well as His apostles and prophets:
1Cor.3:11 "For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ."
1Pet.2:3-5 "If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious: coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Eph.2:19-22 "So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit."
Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets are our foundation. This means that we must imitate their example and live as they taught. The teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets are recorded in the New Testament.
Why Does the Church Exists?
Jesus said these words, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18, KJV). Why did Jesus built His church on earth? Why didn't Jesus take His disciples with Him when He ascended to heaven after His resurrection? Why did He leave them on earth? If we carefully read the Bible, we will see that Jesus had a purpose for which He left His disciples on earth, and created His church in this world. So why did Jesus leave His disciples on earth and create His church? To answer this question, we need to pay attention to the life of the first church, and take some lessons for ourselves.
1) To preach the Gospel - the Good News of the Kingdom of God
First of all, the apostles, as well as ordinary believers in the first church, preached the Gospel to the people and called sinners to repentance. This is the first task for which Jesus created his church on earth:
Acts 2:38-40 "Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"
Acts 2:47b "And the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved." (KJV)
Before going to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a very important task. He sent them to preach the Gospel all over the world (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16). The Gospel is Good News that Jesus died for the sins of people and rose again from the dead (1Cor.15:1-4). Now every person on earth who repents of his sins and believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can receive the remission of sins and the gift of eternal life. He can enter the Kingdom of God.
Jesus left His disciples on earth to tell the whole world about what Jesus did for people, and that they call people to repentance and salvation. After the death of the apostles, the believers who make up the church must continue to preach to people about God's salvation through Jesus Christ. The preaching of the Gospel, that is, the Good News about Jesus Christ to unbelievers, is the main task of the church. What other tasks does the church have? Let's take a look further.
2) To teach the believers and to make them disciples of Jesus
When people repented of their sins and believed in the gospel, the apostles then taught them to live righteously, fulfilling God's will. The believing people were constantly in the teaching of the apostles. But the apostles did not teach people their own teachings. They taught people the teaching of Jesus Christ. It is sometimes called the teaching of the apostles because the apostles taught it to those who believed:
Acts 2:41-42 "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."
Acts 5:42 "Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ."
So, Jesus left His disciples on earth to preach the Gospel and call people to repentance. God wants unbelievers to hear the preaching of the Gospel, repent of their sins, and believe in Him and His Son Jesus Christ. But the Lord also wants people who believe to become disciples of Jesus Christ. He wants them to be taught how to live right after they believe. Therefore, the next task of the Church is to teach the whole teaching of Jesus Christ to those who have believed . This is why there is Bible reading, sermons, and Scripture study in church meetings. This is necessary in order for believers to learn from the Word of God to do all the will of God, and to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ appointed in the Church apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers. All of them are preachers appointed to teach believers the whole teaching of Jesus Christ.
3) For fellowship of the believers
As we read about the first church, we can also see that they were in fellowship and breaking of bread. The breaking of bread was a communal supper that the believers had in their homes every day, and at which they had fellowship with each other:
Acts 2:42 "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."
Acts 2:46 "Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart."
The Lord created His church on earth so that believers may have fellowship with other believers. It is very difficult to live without fellowship. Imagine how difficult and uninteresting it would be to live if there were no church meetings, and if believers did not know each other and did not communicate with each other. Each person needs communication with those who are similar to him in their believes and faith. The Lord knows our need for fellowship, so He created the church so that we can have fellowship with other Christians. Through fellowship, we can spiritually support, strengthen, and edify one another.
Why is fellowship related to the breaking of bread? Because the closest and most open communication usually takes place at the table, while eating together. Moreover, the closest fellowship of believers with each other and with the Lord can occur during the special breaking and taking of bread, which occurs during the Lord's Supper.
4) For communal prayer and praise
The early believers also constantly dwelt in common prayers. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy how to act in the church. He wrote to him that, first of all, at church meetings, prayers should be made for all people, especially for those in power. Let's read the Scriptures that say this:
Acts 2:42 "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer."
1Tim.2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth."
1Tim.3:14-15 "These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
So, the church exists on earth for the preaching of the Gospel, for the teaching of believers, and for the fellowship of believers. The church also exists so that believers can pray together and praise God together. The Bible says this:
James 5:16 "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."
The insistent prayer of even one righteous person is powerfully effective. Can you imagine how much more effective prayer of many righteous people can be, if they come together and pray for the same need? This is a prayer that is intensified many times over.
God created us for His glory (Isa. 43:7, 21). The Lord is pleased when we thank and praise Him in our personal prayers. But if we get together and praise God together, it will be much more magnificent than if we praise God one by one. Therefore, the church was created so that believers could praise and glorify God together.
The Bible says that God lives among the praises of Israel (Ps. 22:3). Where believers praise God together, there is a special presence of God. The church, as a gathering of believers, is the temple of God. Spiritual sacrifices are to be offered to God in this temple. One such sacrifice is the sacrifice of praise (1 Peter 2:5, Heb. 13:15). It pleases God when we offer Him a sacrifice of praise with other believers. The first church did just that:
Acts 2:47 "Praising God, and having favor with all the people."
5) For mutual help
Another reason for which the Lord created His church is so that believers can help each other and support each other financially in difficult times. Let's see how this was done in the first church in Jerusalem:
Acts 2:44-45 "All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need."
Acts 4:34-35 "For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need."
It is a great blessing and privilege to be in the church of God. But this is not only a spiritual blessing. Those who are in the church have many brothers and sisters in the faith who can support them in difficult times. This support can be through kind words and attention. Support can also be material. After all, different troubles happen in life. Sometimes people lose their jobs or get sick and cannot work. Then poverty and lack comes. Who will support people at such a time and help them? If these people are in the church, then they are very blessed, because the church can help them and support them with both words and material help.
Of course, in some countries the state helps the poor. But this was not the case in antiquity in most countries and cities. Even now, there are many countries where the state does not help the poor at all. But if a poor person is in church, he has many brothers and sisters who can help him.
So, let's briefly repeat with you again why Jesus Christ created His church on earth. The church was created in order to preach the Gospel to people and make believers disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to do everything that Jesus commanded. The church also exists so that Christians have fellowship with each other, can pray together and praise God together, and help each other in times of need.
Ministers of the Church
To take care of His Church, Jesus Christ appointed His servants in it. He put in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Probably the most famous word on this list is pastors or shepherds. Pastors are also called in the Bible by the words "elders" and "bishops". Pastor literally means shepherd.
Pastors or elders run local churches, preach the Word of God, take care of believers, as shepherds take care of sheep. They talk with people, instruct them, strengthen them spiritually, pray for them and help solve various problems that believers have. A deacon is elected as assistant to the presbyters.
Deacons mainly help pastors in material matters: helping the poor, maintaining a prayer house, organizing church meetings and general dinners. Sometimes deacons can help elders in spiritual ministry: visit people with them, preach, teach and instruct people.
Apostles are people who travel to other countries and areas, preach the gospel to people, plant new churches, appoint elders, and care for the churches they have founded.
Prophets are people who receive a word from God that is necessary for a specific time, and pass this word on to people. They instruct and spiritually strengthen people. Prophets also speak of the future, as the Lord reveals to them.
Evangelists or evangelists are people who preach the gospel to people and call sinners to repentance. Usually, evangelists do not plant new churches as the apostles do. Most often they invite people to existing churches. Even if a new church was founded through the ministry of the evangelist, usually the evangelist does not stay in it for long. Elders are ordained in this church, and the evangelist goes on to preach the Gospel in other localities.
Teachers are people who know the Bible very well and are able to teach others Biblical truths and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Teachers preach mainly to believers, explaining the Scriptures to them, and teaching them to live righteously. Teachers can teach on different topics in the Bible, and read and explain Scripture to believers.
Responsibilities of the People in the Church
1. Attend services of the church
Every person who is in a local church has certain responsibilities. For example, the Bible says that Christians should not leave their congregations (Heb. 10:25). We need to constantly go to meetings and not be lazy to do so. Why is it important? Because when we go to meetings, we can accomplish what Jesus created his Church for. We can teach and mentor each other, communicate, pray and praise God together, help each other and support each other spiritually and materially. We cannot do all this sitting alone in our homes. Hearing sermons via radio, telephone, or the Internet can be beneficial, but it cannot replace real personal communication with other believers.
2. Honor and obey ministers of the church
The Bible says that believers who are in a church should honor, respect and obey the pastors and teachers who are in this church (1 Pet. 5: 5). Through reverence for God's servants, we show our respect for God who appointed them. We also show through this our reverence for the Word of God that they preach. The Scriptures say that we must honor and obey the ministers so that they can do their ministry with joy instead of sighing (Hebrews 13:17). If, because of our disobedience, they will perform their ministry sighing, with despondency and without joy, then this will not benefit us.
3. Minister to each other with gifts
Ещё в Библии сказано, что мы должны служить друг другу своими дарами (1Пет.4:10). Каждый верующий человек имеет какой-то дар от Господа. Нам нужно постараться узнать, какой наш дар, и служить этим даром другим людям в церкви. Например, кто-то может проповедовать, петь, рассказывать стихи. Кто-то может помогать другим материально, или поддерживать и ободрять других добрым словом. Есть ещё много разных даров, которыми можно служить ближним. О некоторых из них вы узнаете, исследуя такие места Писания, как Римлянам 12-я глава, 1-е Коринфянам 12-14 главы, Ефесянам 4 глава и 1-е Петра 4 глава. А сейчас давайте повторим, какие обязанности есть у людей в церкви. Это – ходить на собрания; почитать и слушаться пастырей и наставников; служить друг другу своими дарами.
Membership in the Local Church
I. Through repentance and baptism in water.
Как человек может присоединиться к Церкви и стать членом Церкви? Давайте обратимся к книге Деяния Апостолов, второй главе, чтобы ответить на этот вопрос:
Деяния 2:38, 41 «Пётр же сказал им: покайтесь, и да крестится каждый из вас во имя Иисуса Христа для прощения грехов, - и получите дар Святого Духа.
Итак охотно принявшие слово его крестились, и присоединилось в тот день душ около трёх тысяч».
Куда присоединились эти люди, покаявшись и крестившись во имя Иисуса Христа? Через покаяние и крещение около 3000 людей присоединилось в День Пятидесятницы к Иерусалимской Церкви. Здесь следует заметить, что через покаяние и веру человек присоединяется к всемирной Церкви Иисуса Христа, как Телу Иисуса Христа, состоящему из всех призванных Богом людей, живущих во всём мире.
Назвав Иисуса своим Господом, человек присоединяется к Нему, как своему Главе, и становится частью Его тела – Церкви. Он приобретает особую духовную связь с Иисусом Христом и всеми членами Его Церкви (Рим.10:9-13, Еф.4:15-16). Эта связь осуществляется посредством Духа Святого (1Кор. 12:13).
Но членом конкретной поместной церкви человек становится через водное крещение, как мы видим из книги Деяния Апостолов 2:41. Как человек может присоединиться к какой-либо поместной церкви, если он уже принял водное крещение в другой поместной церкви? Следует ли ему снова принимать водное крещение? Если нет, что ему следует сделать для этого?
II. By personal request
Если водное крещение было принято в другом месте, то присоединение к церкви происходит по просьбе стать членом данной поместной церкви, и на основании хорошего свидетельства от других. Мы можем увидеть этот принцип в книге Деяния Апостолов, в девятой главе:
Деяния 9:26-27 «Савл прибыл в Иерусалим и старался пристать к ученикам; но все боялись его, не веря, что он ученик. Варнава же, взяв его, пришёл к Апостолам и рассказал им, как на пути он видел Господа, и что говорил ему Господь, и как он в Дамаске смело проповедывал во имя Иисуса».
Во Втором Послании к Коринфянам Апостол Павел пишет об одобрительных письмах. Возможно, такие письма давались членам поместной церкви, когда они переселялись в другой город на жительство, чтобы у них не было проблем с принятием в члены церкви на новом месте. Или же они давались служителям (проповедникам, учителям, евангелистам, пророкам), чтобы они были приняты в церкви, которая их не знала, и могли послужить в ней своими дарами:
2Кор.3:1 «Неужели нам снова знакомиться с вами? Неужели нужны для нас, как для некоторых, одобрительные письма к вам или от вас?».
Быть членом конкретной поместной церкви очень важно, так как это даёт верующему человеку большие возможности брать участие в жизни этой церкви. Это даёт ему возможность беспрепятственно служить в этой церкви своими дарами, брать участие в решении важных церковных вопросов, и быть поставленным на какое-то служение в этой церкви.
Church Discipline
1) Rebuke
Что происходит в случаях, когда член церкви не живёт по-христиански и начинает грешить? В Библии упоминается о трёх уровнях применения церковной дисциплины к членам церкви, не соответствующим своему званию и призванию. Первое из таких взысканий – это обличение. Оно сначала может быть сделано один на один, затем в присутствии других верующих. Об этом учил как Иисус Христос, так и Его Апостолы:
Матф.18:15-17 «Если же согрешит против тебя брат твой, пойди и ОБЛИЧИ ЕГО МЕЖДУ ТОБОЮ И ИМ ОДНИМ; если послушает тебя, то приобрел ты брата твоего; если же не послушает, возьми с собою еще одного или двух, дабы устами двух или трех свидетелей подтвердилось всякое слово; если же не послушает их, скажи церкви; а если и церкви не послушает, то да будет он тебе, как язычник и мытарь».
Иуд.1:23 «А других страхом спасайте, исторгая из огня, ОБЛИЧАЙТЕ ЖЕ СО СТРАХОМ, гнушаясь даже одеждою, которая осквернена плотью».
2Тим.4:2 «Проповедуй слово, настой во время и не во время, ОБЛИЧАЙ, ЗАПРЕЩАЙ, УВЕЩЕВАЙ СО ВСЯКИМ ДОЛГОТЕРПЕНИЕМ и назиданием».
Тит.1:13 «Свидетельство это справедливо. По сей причине ОБЛИЧАЙ ИХ СТРОГО, ДАБЫ ОНИ БЫЛИ ЗДРАВЫ В ВЕРЕ».
Тит.2:15 «Сие говори, увещевай и ОБЛИЧАЙ СО ВСЯКОЮ ВЛАСТЬЮ, чтобы никто не пренебрегал тебя».
2) Restriction of fellowship
Следующей мерой церковного взыскания является замечание. Оно обычно применяется к тем, кто не исправился после обличения. Тот, кто находится на замечании, на время теряет право на братское приветствие и общение, хотя не перестаёт быть братом. Он должен быть устыжен, наставляем и вразумляем в период, когда он находится на замечании:
2Фесс.3:10-15 «Ибо когда мы были у вас, то завещевали вам сие: если кто не хочет трудиться, тот и не ешь. Но слышим, что некоторые у вас поступают бесчинно, ничего не делают, а суетятся. Таковых увещеваем и убеждаем Господом нашим Иисусом Христом, чтобы они, работая в безмолвии, ели свой хлеб. Вы же, братия, не унывайте, делая добро. ЕСЛИ ЖЕ КТО НЕ ПОСЛУШАЕТ СЛОВА НАШЕГО В СЕМ ПОСЛАНИИ, ТОГО ИМЕЙТЕ НА ЗАМЕЧАНИИ И НЕ СООБЩАЙТЕСЬ С НИМ, ЧТОБЫ УСТЫДИТЬ ЕГО. НО НЕ СЧИТАЙТЕ ЕГО ЗА ВРАГА, А ВРАЗУМЛЯЙТЕ, КАК БРАТА».
3) Excommunication from the church
Если исправление не произошло после обличения или замечания, следующим шагом является отлучение человека от церкви. Отлучение от общества практиковалось как в Ветхом, так и в Новом Завете. Если член церкви согрешил и/или продолжает грешить грубым грехом, он может быть отлучен от церкви без предварительного обличения и замечания. Отлученный от церкви человек перестаёт быть братом, и становится как язычник и мытарь (Мт. 18:15-17). Он передаётся сатане во измождение плоти, чтобы дух был спасён в день Господа Иисуса Христа (1Кор. 5 глава). Человек, который будучи отлученным от церкви пережил на себе последствия своих грехов, покаялся и исправился, может снова быть восстановлен как член церкви:
Ездр.10:7-8 «И объявили в Иудее и в Иерусалиме всем бывшим в плену, чтоб они собрались в Иерусалим; 8а кто не придет чрез три дня, на все имение того, по определению начальствующих и старейшин, будет положено заклятие, И САМ ОН БУДЕТ ОТЛУЧЕН ОТ ОБЩЕСТВА ПЕРЕСЕЛЕНЦЕВ».
1Кор.5:1-5 «Есть верный слух, что у вас появилось блудодеяние, и притом такое блудодеяние, какого не слышно даже у язычников, что некто вместо жены имеет жену отца своего. И вы возгордились, вместо того, чтобы лучше плакать, дабы изъят был из среды вас сделавший такое дело. А я, отсутствуя телом, но присутствуя у вас духом, уже решил, как бы находясь у вас: сделавшего такое дело, в собрании вашем во имя Господа нашего Иисуса Христа, обще с моим духом, СИЛОЮ ГОСПОДА НАШЕГО ИИСУСА ХРИСТА, ПРЕДАТЬ САТАНЕ ВО ИЗМОЖДЕНИЕ ПЛОТИ, ЧТОБЫ ДУХ БЫЛ СПАСЕН В ДЕНЬ ГОСПОДА НАШЕГО ИИСУСА ХРИСТА».
1Кор.5:9-13 «Я писал вам в послании - не сообщаться с блудниками; впрочем не вообще с блудниками мира сего, или лихоимцами, или хищниками, или идолослужителями, ибо иначе надлежало бы вам выйти из мира [сего]. НО Я ПИСАЛ ВАМ НЕ СООБЩАТЬСЯ С ТЕМ, КТО, НАЗЫВАЯСЬ БРАТОМ, ОСТАЕТСЯ БЛУДНИКОМ, ИЛИ ЛИХОИМЦЕМ, ИЛИ ИДОЛОСЛУЖИТЕЛЕМ, ИЛИ ЗЛОРЕЧИВЫМ, ИЛИ ПЬЯНИЦЕЮ, ИЛИ ХИЩНИКОМ; С ТАКИМ ДАЖЕ И НЕ ЕСТЬ ВМЕСТЕ. Ибо что мне судить и внешних? Не внутренних ли вы судите? Внешних же судит Бог. ИТАК, ИЗВЕРГНИТЕ РАЗВРАЩЕННОГО ИЗ СРЕДЫ ВАС».
Быть членом Церкви Иисуса Христа – это большое преимущество и привилегия, но также и большая ответственность. Мы должны ценить Церковью Божией и возможностью находиться в ней.
