New Testament Church
As we look around, we see that there are many different churches in the world. It becomes very confusing because not all of them are right. Some people say that one church is a good as another. To resolve the confusions and misconceptions, we must go to the Word of God, the Bible.
In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul under the guidance of the Holy Spirit said,
“There is one body and one Spirit, Just also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”
Since the Bible teaches that there is only one body, the church (Ephesians 1:22-23) it is important that we become part of this one church that is of the one Lord.
Let us begin our search of the scriptures with the understanding that it uses the term church in two ways. The first way is the general use. It refers to all those who have obeyed the gospel of Christ as taught by the apostles and prophets of the scriptures.
“to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” (Hebrews 12:23).
The second use is in the reference to local groups of Christians organized in such a way as to carry out God’s will of work and worship I the area where they live. For example, the Christians in Philippi was a church that had elders, deacons, and the rest of the saints.
“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons” (Philippians 1:1)
Let us give careful attention to what the Bible teaches in this matter. In so doing, it will help us to find and be a part of the church the Lord would have us to be.
For Jesus said,
“Every plant which my heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13)
Last updated by admin on 10/9/2007