Faith & Reason Nexus

The Church is not just a building or a physical location—it is a community of people, united in Christ. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s plan for the Church unfold, and it is meant to be a spiritual family that transcends earthly structures. Let’s break down its key aspects:

Promised Church

The Church was promised long before it was established, and the following passages highlight these promises:

• Daniel 2:44: A kingdom established by God, which will never be destroyed.
• Isaiah 2:2-3: The Lord’s house, a place where all nations will come to learn His ways.
• Matthew 16:18: Jesus promises to build His Church upon the rock of Peter’s confession.
• Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus commissions His followers to go and make disciples, establishing the mission of the Church.
• Mark 9:1: Jesus promises that some standing there would see the kingdom of God come with power.

Established in Jerusalem (A.D. 30)

The Church was officially established in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, as described in these passages:

• Luke 24:47: Jesus commands repentance and forgiveness of sins to be preached in His name to all nations, starting in Jerusalem.
• Acts 1:4: Jesus instructs the apostles to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 2: The Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descends and the Church is born. Peter preaches, and about 3,000 souls are added to the Church.

Number of Churches – One

The Bible teaches that there is only one Church, which is the body of believers in Christ:

• Matthew 16:18: “Upon this rock I will build my church,” referring to the one Church that Jesus would establish.
• Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body,” emphasizing the unity of the Church as the body of Christ.
• Colossians 1:18: Christ is the head of the Church, which is His body.
• Ephesians 1:22-23: Christ is the head of the Church, which is His body, and the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
• Colossians 3:15: The peace of Christ should rule in the hearts of believers, who are called to one body.

Membership – Christians

The members of the Church are Christians, those who have been called and added by God:

• Acts 11:26: The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
• Acts 2:47: The Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.
• Ephesians 5:23, 30: Christ is the head of the Church, and believers are members of His body.
• 1 Corinthians 12:23: The Church is described as the body of Christ, and members of it are united in Him.

Organization

The Church is organized with Christ as its head and various roles to serve its mission. These roles are outlined as follows:

• Christ is the Head:
  • Ephesians 1:22-23: Christ is the head of the Church, the body, and all things are subject to Him.
• Elders:
  • Acts 14:23: Elders were appointed in every church.
  • 1 Timothy 3:1-7: Qualifications for elders include being above reproach, sober-minded, able to teach, and having a good reputation.
  • Titus 1:5-9: The qualifications of elders are reiterated here.
  • 1 Peter 5:1-4: Elders are to shepherd the flock of God willingly and humbly.
• Deacons:
  • Acts 6:1-6: The apostles appoint deacons to serve the practical needs of the church, particularly caring for the widows.
  • 1 Timothy 3:8-13: Qualifications for deacons include being dignified, not double-tongued, and holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
• Evangelists and Teachers:
  • Ephesians 4:11: Christ gave evangelists, teachers, and other roles to equip the saints for the work of ministry.
  • 2 Timothy 4:5: Timothy is instructed to fulfill his ministry, which includes preaching the word.

The Churches of Christ

• Romans 16:16: “The churches of Christ salute you,” a reminder that individual congregations are part of the greater body of Christ, unified in faith.

Summary

The Church is not merely a physical building but the people of God. It was promised by God, established in Jerusalem, and is one body of believers who are united in Christ. The membership of the Church consists of Christians, and its organization is led by Christ, with elders, deacons, evangelists, and teachers serving in various capacities.

This Church is the spiritual family that fulfills the mission of Christ, and it is meant to reflect His love and truth to the world.