When Is The Church, Being A Church?

Mt. 16:13-18

One of the first mentions of the church is found in the book of Matthew 16:13-18. The church is mentioned at least a dozen times in the New Testament.

Acts 2:47 says, they (people) were added to the church daily, while Acts 20:28 gives a strong warning to the leaders by saying: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with his own blood. Eph. 5:25 tells us plainly that Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it. Verse 27 says: 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.

As you and I can see the church is very precious and the one who is a part of the church has a duty to carry out each day of our life.

The question when is the church being a church still must be looked at. How should the church look at God's Holy Word the Bible? II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us: All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God many be perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good work. Psalms 119:11 says, Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

This is the message that must be preached in the church if the church is to be a church pleasing to God. The inspiration of God's Word, the virgin birth, His death and resurrection, his ascension and coming again is the basic message that must be proclaimed to the world today.

I believe, just before our Lord Jesus Christ left this earth from Bethany (Luke 24;50), he gave the Great Commission to the church.  In Matthew 28:19, he says, go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Mark 15:15 tells us: Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel "good news".

Luke 24:47, and that repentance and remission (forgiveness of sins) should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (home) and you are witnesses of these things.

John 21:25 concludes his gospel: There are also many other things which Jesus did the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

The reason is found in John 20:30-31, And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

The greatest thing a person could ever be involved with is working in the kingdom of God, leading the lost to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.