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 beliefs and faith. The Lord knows our need for fellowship, and 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 continued steadfastly 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 is much more magnificent than if we praise God alone. 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 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 a church, he has many brothers and sisters who can help him.
So, let's briefly repeat 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 or ministers in it. He put in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Probably, the most famous word on this list is pastors. Pastors are also called in the Bible by the words "elders" and "bishops". Pastor literally means shepherd.
Pastors or elders rule in the 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. Deacons are elected as assistants to the presbyters.
Deacons mainly help pastors in material matters: helping the poor, maintaining a prayer house, organizing church meetings and communal meals. Sometimes deacons can help elders in spiritual ministry: visit people with them, preach, teach and instruct people.
Apostles are people who usually travel to other countries and/or 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 the people. They instruct and spiritually strengthen people. Prophets also speak of the future, as the Lord reveals to them.
Evangelists are ministers 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 teaching 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 Church Members
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 gatherings (Heb. 10:25). We need to constantly go to church 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, have fellowship, 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 or the Internet can be beneficial, but it cannot replace real personal fellowship 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 (Heb. 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 our gifts
The Bible also says that we should serve one another with our gifts (1 Pet. 4:10). Every believer has some gift from the Lord. We need to find out what our gift is, and to serve others in the church with that gift. For example, someone can preach, sing, recite poetry. Someone can help others financially, or support and encourage others with a kind word. There are many other gifts that can be used to serve others. You will learn about most of them by studying Scriptures such as Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. Now let's recap what responsibilities do we have in the church. It's going to meetings (church services); honor and obey pastors and mentors; serve each other with our gifts.
Membership in the Local Church
I. Through repentance and baptism in water.
How can a person join the Church and become a member of the Church? Let's turn to the book of Acts of the Apostles, chapter two, to answer this question:
Acts 2:38, 41 "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.”
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls."
Where did these people were added, when they repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? Through repentance and baptism, about 3,000 people joined the Jerusalem Church on the Day of Pentecost. Here it should be noted that through repentance and faith a person joins the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ, as the Body of Jesus Christ, consisting of all God-called people living throughout the world. Having called Jesus his Lord, a person joins Him as his Head, and becomes a part of His body - the Church. He acquires a special spiritual connection with Jesus Christ and all members of His Church (Rom. 10:9-13, Eph. 4:15-16). This connection is made through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). But a person becomes a member of a particular local church through water baptism, as we see from the book of Acts 2:41. How can a person join any local church if he has already received water baptism in another local church? Should he be baptized again? If not, what should he do about it?
II. By personal request
If water baptism was done in another place, then joining the church occurs at the request to become a member of this local church, and on the basis of a good testimony from others. We can see this principle in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, in the ninth chapter:
Acts 9:26-27 "When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus."
In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes about letters of approval. Perhaps such letters were given to members of the local church when they moved to another city to live, so that they would not have problems with acceptance as church members in a new place. Or, they were given to ministers (preachers, teachers, evangelists, prophets) so that they would be received in a church that did not know them, and could serve in it with their gifts:
2Cor.3:1 "Shall we get to know you again? Is it really necessary for us, as for some, letters of approval to you or from you?"
Being a member of a particular local church is very important, as it gives the believer great opportunities to take part in the life of this church. This gives him the opportunity to freely serve in this church with his gifts, take part in solving important church issues, and be appointed to different kinds of ministries in this church.
Church Discipline
1) Rebuke or reproof
What happens when a church member does not live a Christian life and starts to sin? The Bible mentions three levels of church discipline being applied to church members who are out of line with their calling and rank. The first of these disciplinary actions is rebuke or reproof. It can first be done one on one, then in the presence of other believers. This was taught by both Jesus Christ and His Apostles:
Matt.18:15-17 "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector."
Jude 1:23 "And some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh."
2Tim.4:2 "Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching."
Tit.1:13 "This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith."
Tit.2:15 "Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you."
2) Note and restriction of fellowship
The next measure of church discipline is to note that man, who has not repented after being reproved, and have no company with him. Anyone who is noted like that, loses for a while the right to brotherly fellowship, although he does not cease to be a brother. He must be ashamed, instructed and admonished during this period:
2Thess.3:10-15 "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies.
Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."
3) Separation from the church
If correction does not occur after reproof, rebuke, and restriction of fellowship, the next step is to separate the person from the church, so he is no longer a member of the church. Separation was practiced in both the Old and New Testaments. If a church member has sinned and/or continues to sin with a gross sin, he may be separated from the church without prior rebuke and restriction of fellowship. A person who is separated from the church ceases to be a brother, and becomes like a heathen and a publican (Matt.18:15-17, KJV). He is given over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor.5:5).
A person who, while separated from the church, experienced the consequences of his sins, repented and reformed, can again be restored as a member of the church.
Ezra 10:7-8 "They made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together to Jerusalem; and that whoever didn’t come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his possessions should be forfeited, and himself separated from the assembly of the captivity."
1Cor.5:1-5 "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father’s wife. You are arrogant, and didn’t mourn instead, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you. For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
1Cor.5:9-13 "I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners; yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortionists, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world. But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person. For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within? But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves."
Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is a great privilege and blessing, but it is also a great responsibility. We must appreciate the Church of God and the opportunity to be a part of it.
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 beliefs and faith. The Lord knows our need for fellowship, and 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 continued steadfastly 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 is much more magnificent than if we praise God alone. 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 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 a church, he has many brothers and sisters who can help him.
So, let's briefly repeat 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 or ministers in it. He put in the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Probably, the most famous word on this list is pastors. Pastors are also called in the Bible by the words "elders" and "bishops". Pastor literally means shepherd.
Pastors or elders rule in the 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. Deacons are elected as assistants to the presbyters.
Deacons mainly help pastors in material matters: helping the poor, maintaining a prayer house, organizing church meetings and communal meals. Sometimes deacons can help elders in spiritual ministry: visit people with them, preach, teach and instruct people.
Apostles are people who usually travel to other countries and/or 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 the people. They instruct and spiritually strengthen people. Prophets also speak of the future, as the Lord reveals to them.
Evangelists are ministers 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 teaching 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 Church Members
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 gatherings (Heb. 10:25). We need to constantly go to church 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, have fellowship, 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 or the Internet can be beneficial, but it cannot replace real personal fellowship 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 (Heb. 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 our gifts
The Bible also says that we should serve one another with our gifts (1 Pet. 4:10). Every believer has some gift from the Lord. We need to find out what our gift is, and to serve others in the church with that gift. For example, someone can preach, sing, recite poetry. Someone can help others financially, or support and encourage others with a kind word. There are many other gifts that can be used to serve others. You will learn about most of them by studying Scriptures such as Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. Now let's recap what responsibilities do we have in the church. It's going to meetings (church services); honor and obey pastors and mentors; serve each other with our gifts.
Membership in the Local Church
I. Through repentance and baptism in water.
How can a person join the Church and become a member of the Church? Let's turn to the book of Acts of the Apostles, chapter two, to answer this question:
Acts 2:38, 41 "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.”
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls."
Where did these people were added, when they repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? Through repentance and baptism, about 3,000 people joined the Jerusalem Church on the Day of Pentecost. Here it should be noted that through repentance and faith a person joins the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ, as the Body of Jesus Christ, consisting of all God-called people living throughout the world. Having called Jesus his Lord, a person joins Him as his Head, and becomes a part of His body - the Church. He acquires a special spiritual connection with Jesus Christ and all members of His Church (Rom. 10:9-13, Eph. 4:15-16). This connection is made through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). But a person becomes a member of a particular local church through water baptism, as we see from the book of Acts 2:41. How can a person join any local church if he has already received water baptism in another local church? Should he be baptized again? If not, what should he do about it?
II. By personal request
If water baptism was done in another place, then joining the church occurs at the request to become a member of this local church, and on the basis of a good testimony from others. We can see this principle in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, in the ninth chapter:
Acts 9:26-27 "When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus."
In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes about letters of approval. Perhaps such letters were given to members of the local church when they moved to another city to live, so that they would not have problems with acceptance as church members in a new place. Or, they were given to ministers (preachers, teachers, evangelists, prophets) so that they would be received in a church that did not know them, and could serve in it with their gifts:
2Cor.3:1 "Shall we get to know you again? Is it really necessary for us, as for some, letters of approval to you or from you?"
Being a member of a particular local church is very important, as it gives the believer great opportunities to take part in the life of this church. This gives him the opportunity to freely serve in this church with his gifts, take part in solving important church issues, and be appointed to different kinds of ministries in this church.
Church Discipline
1) Rebuke or reproof
What happens when a church member does not live a Christian life and starts to sin? The Bible mentions three levels of church discipline being applied to church members who are out of line with their calling and rank. The first of these disciplinary actions is rebuke or reproof. It can first be done one on one, then in the presence of other believers. This was taught by both Jesus Christ and His Apostles:
Matt.18:15-17 "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector."
Jude 1:23 "And some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh."
2Tim.4:2 "Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching."
Tit.1:13 "This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith."
Tit.2:15 "Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you."
2) Note and restriction of fellowship
The next measure of church discipline is to note that man, who has not repented after being reproved, and have no company with him. Anyone who is noted like that, loses for a while the right to brotherly fellowship, although he does not cease to be a brother. He must be ashamed, instructed and admonished during this period:
2Thess.3:10-15 "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies.
Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."
3) Separation from the church
If correction does not occur after reproof, rebuke, and restriction of fellowship, the next step is to separate the person from the church, so he is no longer a member of the church. Separation was practiced in both the Old and New Testaments. If a church member has sinned and/or continues to sin with a gross sin, he may be separated from the church without prior rebuke and restriction of fellowship. A person who is separated from the church ceases to be a brother, and becomes like a heathen and a publican (Matt.18:15-17, KJV). He is given over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Cor.5:5).
A person who, while separated from the church, experienced the consequences of his sins, repented and reformed, can again be restored as a member of the church.
Ezra 10:7-8 "They made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together to Jerusalem; and that whoever didn’t come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his possessions should be forfeited, and himself separated from the assembly of the captivity."
1Cor.5:1-5 "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father’s wife. You are arrogant, and didn’t mourn instead, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you. For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
1Cor.5:9-13 "I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners; yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortionists, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world. But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person. For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within? But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves."
Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ is a great privilege and blessing, but it is also a great responsibility. We must appreciate the Church of God and the opportunity to be a part of it.