Experience Jesus
What is the Church? Part 1
Simply put, the Church is the collection of Jesus followers. You were not called to follow Jesus by yourself. Watch the video to learn a practical and functioning definition and description of what the Church is suppose to be.
What is the Church? (part I)
The followers of Jesus are often collectively known as “The Church.” Christianity is a team sport meaning we need one another to grow in our faith. Today, there are many denominations and local expressions of the church, but for our discussion at the moment, we will focus on church in the general sense. In the Bible, the gathering of Christ-followers is described as the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18), the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:29-32), and the living building of Christ (1 Peter 2:5). As a body, every member has important part to play. As a bride, we are called to commit fully to God alone. As a building, God uses people to build others up. We are better together. We are stronger together.
To help you understand the practical workings of a church, picture holding out your hand, counting your five fingers, and consider this definition:
Church is a movement on a message with a mission, modeled by Jesus and motivated by love.
- TheChurch is a MOVEMENT.
The church is a movement because it started when people received the power of the Holy Spirit and started preaching of the resurrection of Jesus.
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- TheChurch has a MESSAGE.
When Jesus died on a cross, the disciples went and hid. Their leader had just been killed and they thought they were next. However, when Jesus rose again, they learned that their sins were forgiven, grace was received, and hope was available for all people. With no budget, buildings, or political power, this group of ordinary men launched the largest movement in world history, Christianity, with the message of the Gospel.
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- TheChurch has a MISSION.
In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers a mission that has lasted for the past two thousand years and will last until He returns. This mission offers life, hope, freedom, and forgiveness to all who take part. We are called to go and make disciples.
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”