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CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST
What Is Church?
The church is made up of those who have had their sins forgiven because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
“And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” Rev. 1:5, 7:14
Church can also be referred to as each local gathering of believers; “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be.” Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
All believers in the whole world are called the church-Matt. 16:18
And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The Foundation of the Church
The church belongs to Jesus Christ
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so [let] the wives [be] to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” – Eph. 5:21-27
Other foundation is not accepted, only one foundation is laid for us – 1Cor 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Church is founded on the confession that Jesus Christ (Messiah) is the son of the Living God
“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Matt. 16:16-18.
Jesus is the chief corner stone (meaning the top stone or the pillar) of the church
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” – Eph. 2:20-22
Christians in the body of Christ are:
1. Charged to occupy till Christ come
“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” – Luke 19:13
2. Created to be holy – Eph. 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
3. Called to be separated unto God
“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you” – 2cor. 6:16-17
4. God’s temple – Eph. 2: 20-22
5. Members of God’s household – Eph. 2:19, 1Tim. 3:15
Eph. 2:19 – Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
” But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”‘1Tim. 3:15 –
Our mission as Church of Christ
1. We are commissioned to teach and preach gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. – Matt.18:19, Mark 18:15-16
2. We are called to minister to the gentiles – Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
3. We are to lead the world right through our godly living. – 2Cor. 3:2,
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Matthew 5:14-16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Conclusion:
What part are you taking in the body of Christ? Remember you will give account of your stewardship?
Pastor Femi Atode
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