How to find the *Perfect Church*
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Introduction |
This essay on "the perfect church" starts off with foundational Bible facts. Towards the end, however, it does deliver what the title promises -- more or less. Be patient and... READ ON! |
First mention |
(Jesus said...) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Mt 16.18 |
The first use of the English-language word "church" is found in Matthew 16.18. It translates the
Greek word ekklesia, which is pronounced ECK-lay-SEE-ah.
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Two usages |
The Bible uses the word "church" in two different ways as follows...
Each of the two usages of "church" is discussed in subsequent paragraphs. |
The True Church |
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The True Church is not a denomination. It does not meet in a building. Its membership roll is known only to God.
Intrigued? READ ON! |
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As written in Acts 2.41, the True Church consists EXCLUSIVELY of those who are saved -- those who are believers on Jesus Christ. | ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2.41b | |
For by one Spirit we (Christians) were all baptized into one
body whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free and have all
been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor 12.13 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn (born again believers) who are registered in heaven... Heb 12.23a |
There is only ONE True Church.
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The True Church is neither a building nor a denomination.
[NOTE: Theologians sometimes refer to the True Church as the "invisible church" or the "universal church."] |
And He (the Father) put all things under His (Jesus Christ's) feet, and gave Him (Jesus) to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Eph 1.22-23 |
The local church |
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Likewise greet the church that is in their house... Rom 16.5a The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 1 Cor 16.5 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Col 4.15 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house Philemon 1.2 |
The local church is the visible, institutional church. The local church is the church that you (and other folks) attend here on earth -- in a house or wherever. |
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The local church is ordained by God. God COMMANDS you to assemble with others in a local church.
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Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day (of Christ's return) approaching. Heb 10.25 | |
But the manifestation of the Spirit (spiritual gift) is given to each one for the profit of all 1 Cor 12.7 |
God gave each Christian one or more spiritual gifts primarily for
the benefit of the local church -- "for the
profit of ALL."
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And He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
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The church's job is to teach God gives spiritual gifts to people in the local church for the primary purpose of equipping Christians. "Equip" means teach and coach. God wants local churches to train and educate Christians. Not merely to sermonize. To TEACH! |
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The church's job is to put folks to work God wants every Christian to be trained for the specific purpose of preparing them to minister. "Minister" means SERVE, and serve means WORK. If you are a Christian, God absolutely wants you to
WORK for Him. (READ Ephesians 1.10!)
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The church's job is to build up "Edify" means build up. Add to. Make bigger. Make stronger. The local church's job is to build up the body of Christ, which is the church. The local church must build up the body of Christ...
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The church's job is to foster fellowship and love "Unity" means togetherness...
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The church's job is to protect, rear and nurture In the verses quoted alongside, "perfect" is contrasted with "children." In other words, the local church has the job of raising and educating "baby" Christians so that they grow up to be ADULT Christians...
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The perfect church |
If you are a Christian, you already are a member of the ONLY perfect
church -- namely, the True Church. Specifically, a good local church...
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Please bear with me while I elaborate on the final point listed above
Oh yes, remember... you do NOT work for God in order to earn the right to go to heaven (Ephesians 2.8-9). You cannot earn salvation -- it is a GIFT from God. Accordingly, a Christian works for God solely as an act of love, obedience, and worship -- because he or she IS going to heaven. Bottom line... The local church that needs and USES your hands, your mind, your heart, your feet -- a church that puts you to WORK serving God -- is very likely to be exactly the right church that God has for you. |
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For we (Christians) are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, |
Summary |
One lovely day in the future you will finally get to attend an assembly of the True Church. On that great day, you will be in THE perfect church, with perfected members,
with a perfect and infallible Pastor -- Jesus Christ: Lord of lords, King of kings!
My OPINION is this -- learning to live and love and grow amongst the imperfections of a local church is an important part of your training! |
God commands you, "GO to church!" |
To read a Rich *devotional study* about finding a church home, click HERE |
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