Five biblical purposes of the church

Five biblical purposes of the church. Each of the five New Testament purposes of the church must be in equilibrium with the others for health to occur. Aug 30, 2016 · From Acts 2:42-47 we see that church was committed to five functions: 1) Teaching / Discipleship – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching ( Acts 2:42) The first function of the church was the teaching and preaching of the church. One of the purposes of the Church is to show the Character of God. The Purpose Driven Life is a bible study book written by Christian pastor Rick Warren and published by Zondervan in 2002. The worship of God is the highest calling of man. God has ordained the church, a fellowship of the flawed, to carry out his purpose and will in the world. Corporate worship provides that for us. ” It seems these believers understood something profound—that sharing life together was integral to their spiritual growth. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. They are not doing all the work of ministry themselves. Symbols and Representation The Bible uses symbols such as a dove , wind , fire , and tongues of fire to represent the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. The local assembly, according to God’s pattern, is to be primarily an edification center (1 Cor. pdf">http://harmonypbchurch . The root meaning of church is not that of a building, but of people. Pentecost was to the Holy Spirit as Christmas was to Jesus. Summary. 2:13-16 ). Church discipline shows love for Christ, that churches might uphold his holy name and obey him. What a gift!”—John Ortberg, bestselling author. Jun 18, 2009 · These truths are the marks of a true, authentic church. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good Jan 5, 2022 · 1. That means that we are to share the gospel with others and that we are to support other Christians in their walk with God. Of course, if the whole counsel of God is preached and if Dec 27, 2022 · Healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. The three-volume systematic theology in which these words were written was published five years before his death. The Head is in heaven, and through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the world, the Body, which is Christ’s purchased possession, is being formed. There are dozens in the New Testament, but I pared it down to seven. Ministry also helps to spread the gospel and minister to people’s needs. 12:49-50). They also become easier prey for The purpose or function of the church can be summarized into three broad areas: worship of God, edification of the church itself, and evangelization of the world. ” We will consider the purposes of church discipline, the problems that require discipline, and the procedure for church discipline. " 1 Timothy 3:15 (NCV) "Love your spiritual family. The church is like a body (1 Corinthians 12:27). “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. (To the reader – this sermon was begun while I was inside an appliance box. Sep 29, 2014 · Jheff Zaz Bengwayan. The central message the early church proclaimed was Christ (Acts 8:5, 12, 35; 9:20; 11:20); moreover, they Jun 28, 2023 · 2. 10:31 ). And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. In chapter one, the Church is likened to a body of which Christ is the Head. Ministry helps to build relationships with people in the church and with other churches. The pattern of Christ with his church. The local church can meet in homes (Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:5) and in cities (2 Corinthians 1:1). Let’s take these five letters and examine The Purpose of The Church. The ministry of evangelism was not carried on by a select few but by ordinary believers as well (Acts 8:4). The church reaches out (scatters) to spread the love of Christ and the gospel message to unbelievers in the world (Matthew 28:18-20). This means we don’t stop being the church when we walk out of the building on Sunday morning. What a gift!”—John Ortberg, bestselling author Every church is driven by something. The church must also have fellowship, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and pray together. The apostle trains others to think strategically about the Kingdom The main purpose of the local assembly, however, is for the saints, not for sinners. The church is to glorify God collectively but also individually by ascribing worth to God in all things and giving thanks for all things. Churches grow larger through evangelism. In simplest terms, the mission of the church is the Great Commission—what Philip Ryken calls “a Apr 9, 2024 · Its chief purpose was to restore “the five-fold ministry” and usher in the Millennial Kingdom. This glory includes the beauty, excellency, pleasure, and joy of the church and the elect angels. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi saying, “And it is my prayer that your love may A few years ago, the Church of the Living Savior incorporated the five purposes into its “Daily Goals” (this wording is not original, but we are working to make it our own) Magnify: We celebrate God’s presence in worship. Biblical metaphors for, and descriptions of, the church Jun 10, 2008 · The church was born at Pentecost, about ten days after Jesus ascended back to heaven. ”. "The purpose of the local congregation is to glorify God" In Romans 15:5-6, Paul told the church at Rome, 5: And may the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus, 6. Aug 2, 2020 · A purpose-driven church is committed to fulfilling all five tasks that Christ ordained for His church to accomplish. Luke 19:10 (NKJV) Jan 4, 2022 · The purpose of spiritual gifts is to promote “the common good” of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7), to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12), and to prepare us each for “works of service . “Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother'” (Matt. The church is to glorify God and that is one of the main purposes of mankind but it is also the purpose of the church. Second, the church is an assembly called together into a homogenous, integrated unity. The church comes together (assembles) for the purpose of bringing each member into spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:13). Download to read offline. Jan 17, 2020 · Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) "God has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members ofGod's own family. These are the five areas of ministry that the church must be active and effective in if it wants to grow. Church growth is the natural result of church health. 51813195. The book offers readers a 40-day personal spiritual journey and presents what Warren says are God's five purposes for human life on Earth. Ministry Team: To make the church broader through ministry. The Holy Spirit came down to place every believer into the body of Christ and to indwell every believer personally and permanently. Finally, worldly leaders may operate in their own strength and in their own wisdom, and they might be able to accomplish good and even noble things. Community breathes life into leadership and grounds it in the supreme moral virtue that must accompany all truly biblical leaders—namely, agape love. "The Purpose Driven Church has brought focus and direction to more pastors and church leaders than you can count. Deut. The church is God's appointed agency. As members of the body of Christ, what we look like stems from our relationship to Jesus and the mission He gave us. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13). Spiritual. At the core of every church is the act of worship, a concept deeply rooted in the Bible. Discover more from: Mar 12, 2021 · Healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. Document continues below. Apr 25, 2024 · Exploring the purpose of the church can transform your life and help you find your true calling. But church health can only occur when our message is biblical and our mission is balanced. The church exists to exalt (WORSHIP), edify (MINISTRY), encourage (FELLOWSHIP), equip (DISCIPLESHIP), and evangelize (MISSION). “The Purpose Driven Church has brought focus and direction to more pastors and church leaders than you can count. Tradition, finances, programs, personalities, events, seekers, and even buildings can each be The five functions are: worship, teach, fellowship, evangelize and serve. Ministry is an important part of the church’s mission to reach out to others and build relationships with them. Of course, if the whole counsel of God is preached and if On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you. The residence of God is among men and women. Mar 15, 2024 · During the early days of the church, there were no chapels or cathedrals with steeples. Abstract. The Biblical Purposes of the Church: A Place of Faith, Fellowship, and Fire. A local church is a mutually-affirming group of new covenant members and kingdom citizens, identified by regularly gathering together in Jesus’ name through preaching the The work of the church in the world is to make disciples (learners), baptize them, and bring them into the fellowship of believers. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 4,314 ratings171 reviews. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread. squarespace. Part of God’s purpose for the church is to exalt Jesus Christ by the way that the church lives and by what it does. Paul wrote, “In Christ we were also chosen … in order that we … might be for the praise of His glory” ( Ephesians 1:11–12 ). " 1 Peter 2:17 (Mes) THE 2nd PURPOSE OF LIFE IS TO: LEARN TO LOVE OTHERS Apr 8, 2019 · The Purpose of the Church . Jun 14, 2021 · It will evaluate contemporary broader ideas of mission and conclude with a re-emphasis on the gospel-centered focus of the New Testament pattern. 6:4-5. The universal church is a heavenly and eschatological assembly of everyone—past, present, and future—who belongs to Christ’s new covenant and kingdom. This is the beginning of the Church. These five offices are responsible for the equipping and perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ Mar 23, 2022 · The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones. God's Purpose for his Church. Matthew 28:18-20 ESV / 3 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. The church has its origin in the eternal purposes of God. At its core, the church is the global community of Christ followers who believe in the divinity and resurrection of Jesus Christ and are commissioned to proclaim the good news of His salvation to the world. Aug 13, 2004 · The author, knowing that he has no such qualifications for the work, purposes to confine himself in a great measure to a historical survey of the different schemes of interpreting the Scriptural prophecies relating to this subject. Sunday Message/sermon. " Included in this particular issue were several stories about 1 Timothy 5:16. Believers make up the body of Christ, the Church (1 Corinthians 12:27). “The Purpose Driven® Church has brought focus and direction to more pastors and church leaders than you can count. By definition, the Church is a called-out group of people. Liberty University. The church is the body of Christ, the head. However, the church is also universal since Jesus died for all believers at all times (Ephesians 5:25). And so it is with each member of the church. Several perspectives reinforce this in the New Testament. In other words, healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. 5. It says the church should teach God’s word. The mission of the church is the task given by God for the people of God to accomplish in the world. The Church ordained twelve “apostles” who were to be the last days equivalent of the original As followers of Christ, our mission is to be disciples who make disciples. Church attendance also helps prevent backsliding and apostasy. Service - Acts 2:43-47. I would like to invite us to read the Scripture below and reflect how we carry these out at First Baptist Church Saint Simons Island. Instead, everything we do, we do as the blood-bought church of God, for the fame of Jesus, everywhere. The work of the Church continues; it did not cease when the original disciples died. S – H – I – N –E. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Each believer is part of this church just as each stone is part of a building. Lesson 1 God's Purpose for His Church. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” ( Revelation 21:1-3 ). Five biblical purposes of the church: Fellowship - Download as a PDF or view online for free. Marriage Is A Reflection of Christ and the Church. The heart of any effective biblical ministry is discipleship ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). The main purpose of the local assembly, however, is for the saints, not for sinners. While the birth of the church is found in Acts (though not in the way most think) Luke’s purpose was far different. These biblical roles or ministries of the church are foundational to it. God created us for this purpose and failure to do so will leave a God shaped hole in our lives. There should be 5 teams, each focusing on one of the 5 purposes: Membership Team: To make the church warmer through fellowship. Christ. Without regular participation in corporate worship, one tends to drift spiritually. Luke introduces them in the following order: Evangelism - Acts 2:1-41. “In all this God designed to accomplish the glory of the blessed Trinity in an exceeding degree. - Publisher. There are many biblical metaphors that help us understand what the church is. 1 Chronicles 16:29 says, “Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his presence. Acts 2:42 gives the biblical definition of the church. " 1 Peter 1:3 (LB) "That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth. If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. Topicalbible. Apr 25, 2008 · The Bible says we are baptized into the body of Christ. The Head without the Body is incomplete. The goal of this study is to examine Jan 14, 2024 · Worshipping God. The Church is a testimony of God. Three New Testament passages explicitly address husbands and wives: Ephesians 5:22–33; Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Peter 3:1–7. If God asked you how you were going to spend the next 15 years of your life, what would you say? Thankfully, God’s plan for our lives is not a mystery. Apr 30, 2017 · This is the unity Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. God’s 5 Purposes For Your Life. Mission: We communicate God’s Word through evangelism. Strictly speaking, the church is the Body of Christ, doing the work that the Head of the Church directs (i. The church transcends age, gender, race, geography, and socioeconomic lines. Nov 27, 1995 · In other words, healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. He listens to us when we pray – always. OCLC. This means they impart to others, training them in the skills that are needed to function in their particular area of gifting. Jul 10, 2020 · Its Purpose and Identity. In this short book, Jonathan Leeman argues from Scripture that the mission of the church is first and foremost to make disciples—the task that each local assembly is called to do collectively—and to be disciples—the task for each individual Christian. Mar 9, 2021 · Discipleship and church administration. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. 5 Purposes of Church Discipline from 1 Corinthians 5. The church is as close to heaven as men will ever get on earth, because the church is the place where God has chosen to dwell, through His Spirit. so that with one mind and one mouth you may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible also uses several metaphors to describe to us what the church is like. ” 1 Our task as the gathered body of Christ is to make disciples, by bearing witness to Jesus Christ the Son in the power Oct 8, 2021 · In this section, we will explore practical ways to demonstrate the 5 priorities in your church, and this will manifest itself in your purpose statement at the end. That is because the Church is not a building. The mission of the church is to glorify Christ. 6:18). Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Worship - Acts 2:42c. God had a design of glorifying himself from May 10, 2004 · The theme of Ephesians is Christ and His Church. Definition. Jesus directs the Bride of Christ, the Church, to be glorifying God and seeking the lost. Matthew 4:1-25 ESV / 2 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. Warren's book provided the blueprint that Pastor John desperately needed. As Jesus said in John 4:23, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Pentecost concluded with 3,000 people being baptized (Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The heart’s main job is to pump blood; the lungs’ main job is to breathe; the ears’ main job is to hear; the legs’ main job is to walk. Mar 24, 2020 · The Bible tells us that the church consists of pastors and teachers who are to equip the saints for the work of service and for the building of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). Apr 2, 2017 · To further help understand what the church is, let’s look at a few biblical metaphors for the church. Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in Jan 1, 2024 · Events like Pentecost (Acts 2) demonstrate the Spirit’s power and role in the early church. Jul 2, 2011 · God designed “to advance all the elect to an exceeding pitch of glory, such as eye has not seen. A true church displays particular aspects like preaching the Word of God and church discipline, while a false Mar 12, 2024 · The Unity and Diversity of the Church as the Body of Christ. 1 of 18. If any church is not witnessing The church should be structured in line with the 5 purposes of the universal church. At its best, the unity in Christ we experience in the church can even give us a taste of the glory to come in Revelation 7. . The church, the new temple, is still Mar 12, 2024 · By Adam Phillips / March 12, 2024. In these we are taught that husbands are to exercise a role of self-sacrificial headship and wives a posture of godly submission to their husbands. He equips readers to obey this disciple-making mission both inside and outside the local Mar 4, 2024 · The church is not a building, but a body of believers with a specific nature and purpose. The word church is hardly mentioned at all until after the gospels, but then it is frequently called by name (Rom 16:5; Gal 1:1-2). Every church, every Christian, needs to understand that their purpose, their objective is: to bring glory to God ( 1 Cor. The purpose of the church is to be the believer's spiritual family. org. Church is much more than just a building with people who come to worship. Fellowship - Acts 2:42b. Download now. 3. These five purposes of the church are commanded by Jesus in the Great Commandment and Great Commission, explained by Paul in Ephesians 4, described in Jesus’ prayer for the Jan 20, 2019 · Resource Details. The church needs to do all it can to move its members closer to Christlikeness. ) The theme of the most recent issue of YMI Update, our national youth ministry leadership newsletter, was "Out of the Box. Mar 10, 2014 · Church discipline shows love for the church, that weaker sheep might be protected. Our purpose of the church is to make disciples. Jan 3, 2007 · Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) The word shine can be used as a simple tool, an acrostic, to help us understand the purpose of The Church. Jan 30, 2014 · His answer? “The church is the regenerate people of God saved by the power of God for the purposes of God in this world. It challenged him to rethink the way he approached ministry and encouraged him to align his church's activities with God's five purposes for the church: worship, Nov 3, 2001 · The purpose of outreach is to take the God of the church into the community. Even at that, I can only comment very briefly: 2. 1. Almost every commentator on Acts maintains its purpose is to tell the story of the birth and growth of the church. The five fold ministry is a biblical term that refers to the five main offices within the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The book is targeted to pastors and church leaders and advises them to base their ministry on God's purposes, not their own ideas of ministry, hence the term "Purpose Driven". 28:19-20); the Church is to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name to all people (Luke 24:47); the Church is to practice T he book of Acts forms a bridge between the Gospels and Paul’s epistles. e. Sep 4, 2007 · In other words, healthy, consistent growth is the result of balancing the five biblical purposes of the church. In John 4:23-24, Jesus says, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true 6:9-10; Gal 5:16-21; Eph 5:5; Heb 2:1-14; 13:4; Jas 4:4; Rev 21:8); and all church members need to be discipled well in the gospel and the implications of the gospel for how we are to live our lives. Jan 13, 2016 · Others might respond, “Of course we love the church. Mar 12, 2024 · The Bible also mentions fellowship as another vital aspect of the church’s purpose. Dec 25, 2022 · The purpose of ministry in the church is to strengthen the church. Biblical Definition of the Church. And prayer opens our hearts for His Spirit to lead us and guide us. . 1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV / 46 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. Rick Warren | January 20, 2019. He came to relate to all believers in different ways. May 17, 2011 · The church is the family of God. When we consider the biblical teaching on the church, we realize the church is vitally important for growing in Christ. “ The Purpose Driven Church has brought focus and direction to more pastors and church leaders than you can count. Matt 25:25-26). for the salvation of men. Christ accomplished this unity on the cross ( Eph. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. B. Education - Acts 2:42a. Churches grow broader through ministry. Jun 14, 2023 · It was one of His last commands to them. Gathering together as believers to pray, sing praises, hear preaching, and celebrate communion all serve to glorify and honor God. Library. In fact, the metaphor of the body of Christ in the New Testament emphasizes the Aug 13, 2017 · Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 5:12, Paul tells the church that they are responsible to judge those within the church. The purpose of the church is three-fold. The church should be structured in line with the 5 purposes of the universal church. 14:26), not an evangelistic center; a soul-building station (Acts 20:28,32), not a soul-winning station. ( Ephesians 4:7-8) When Paul says “But,” it is not just a conjunction; it is meant to be adversative. The Church's mission is to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God and make disciples throughout the world, teaching them exactly what Jesus taught (Mark 16:15; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20). What a gift!"--John Ortberg, bestselling author. The church is the people of God, chosen by the Father, and graciously brought into a relationship with the triune God and one another. Mar 6, 2024 · Prayer is the tool our loving, heavenly Father has chosen for us to communicate with him. It is through the church that God takes people with different personalities and gifts, unifies them as a single body, and equips them to care for each other and reach the world. Understanding the significance of the church in building a community, connecting with God, and contributing to society is crucial. Daily prayer blesses us, strengthens us, and brings greater peace into our lives than we could ever imagine. Jan 4, 2022 · The Hebrews passage mentioned above reveals that one of the purposes of gathering together is to “encourage one another. The church is a new temple built in Christ, by Christ, and for Christ. Of course, there are many biblical texts that provide direction for this: the Church is to make disciples by baptizing people from all nations and teaching them to obey the commands of Jesus (Matt. A. Aug 5, 2018 · The church is a group of called-out believers in Jesus Christ founded on the Word of God. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building. Furthermore, Paul told the Ephesian church that God gives the church leadership gifts to equip the members for effective ministry work ( Ephesians 4:11-13 ). And The Purpose Driven Church will show you how to do that. Christ designed His church to represent Sep 5, 2023 · In this blog, we'll delve into the five pivotal purposes of going to church, each one adding depth and meaning to your life. Membership: We incorporate God’s family into our fellowship. There are both visible and invisible aspects of the church on earth showcasing God’s glory in local congregations and throughout the world. A church that over-emphasizes worship at the expense of teaching of Scripture and evangelism (and/or personal experience) will end up with inadequate Bible teaching for the believers, who will remain shallow in their understanding of Scripture, as well as in their understanding of the nature and purposes of God. If you don't have a strategy or structure to balance the five purposes intentionally, the church tends to over-emphasize the purpose the Jan 25, 2024 · The church consists of those whom the Lord has called out of the world into union and fellowship with Christ and into communion with each other. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Warren suggests that these purposes are worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission, and that they are derived from the Great Commandment ( Matthew Feb 9, 2011 · The five-fold gifts of Ephesians 4 are there to equip God's people to do the work of ministry. What are these roles? They are many, but key to any church are foundations in worship, edification and evangelism. This was the command of the Lord in the Great Commission, “teaching them to observe all that I God Builds His Church through Gifting Believers. 98. Thus, ministry effectiveness may begin by members with equipping <body> <h1>Successful Savior</h1> <p><a href="https://harmonypbchurch. Dec 10, 2018 · The Church in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1-9) But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. Practicing biblical church discipline does not violate Jesus’ command, “Judge not. It is the new covenant community of Jesus, rooted in Israel, constructed by Jesus, and inaugurated by the Holy Spirit. At first the job of the apostles, the Church's mission has passed 9780310803065. As the body of Christ, the church is not just a group of individuals but a connected community of believers who work together for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s plan for salvation. I find it fascinating that God uses marriage as a picture of our relationship with Christ. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Pillar #1 - Glory to God is our purpose, He is God, there is no other. " Rick Warren shares a proven five-part strategy that will enable your church to grow warmer through fellowship, deeper through discipleship, stronger through worship, broader through ministry, larger through evangelism. The primary purpose of the church is to worship God. Imagine your church when it has reached the place where these purposes are all relatively healthy. Maturity Team: To make the church deeper through discipleship. In simplest terms, the mission of the church is the Great Commission—what Philip Ryken calls “a clear, unambiguous statement of [the church’s] mission to the world. church, he turned to "The Purpose Driven Church" for guidance and inspiration. There is a deeper purpose behind it that has roots dating back to history. Worship is God-centered and Christ-centered. This is the heart of Ephesians 5:32 (speaking of marriage) 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. com//media/documents/files/Five_Purposes_of_the_Church. Like a branch that grows because of its connection to the tree Jan 1, 2001 · Rick Warren. The Church was a central focus of the New Testament from that point forward. We could call this “positional unity. We all need encouragement. Mar 16, 2023 · March 16, 2023 by Hilda Scott. Five Biblical purpose of the Church: Fellowship. The church comprises the “family of God. Acts 2:42 describes early Christians devoting themselves “to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship. Worship and Communion: A Biblical Mandate. This equipping, of course, is for the furthering of the kingdom of God and the sanctification of God’s people. Every church needs to grow warmer through fellowship, deeper through discipleship, stronger through worship, broader through ministry, and larger through evangelism. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Church discipline shows love for the watching world, that it might see Christ’s transforming power. May 20, 2020 · The church is local in that the church meets in communities. But the overall purpose of each organ is to help the body live and work. The church is a way for followers of Jesus to act together as one body, with Jesus as the head, to fulfill this mission. S – SEEK and to SHARE. Obviously, Paul isn’t saying the church is a building made out of mortar and brick, but that we are the stones, the living stones, as 1 Peter 2:5 tells us. 2. fd si tp mr vv qy tm yh fa fs