"For thus the Lord has commanded us: I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, SO THAT YOU HAVE THE SALVATION UNTIL THE CONFINES OF THE EARTH." Hebrews 13:47

The objectives of our Church

What is the purpose of the church?

Acts 2:42 can be considered as a statement of the purpose of the church, "And they persevered in the apostles' doctrine, in communion with one another, in the breaking of bread and prayers." So, according to this Scripture, the purpose or activities of the church must be; (1) Teach biblical doctrine, (2) provide a place of fellowship for believers, (3) celebrate the Lord's Supper, and (4) pray.

The church must teach Biblical doctrine, so that we can be rooted in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, "so that we are no longer fluctuating children, carried everywhere by any wind of doctrine, by stratagems of men who foolishly employ the tricks of error." The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can live together fraternally and honor each other (Romans 12:10), instruct each other (Romans 15:14), be kind and merciful to one another (Ephesians 4: 32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly, love one another (1 John 3:11).

The church should be a place where believers can celebrate the Lord's Supper, remembering the death of Christ and His blood shed for us (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26). The concept of "breaking bread" (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of eating together. This is another example of the fellowship promoted by the church. The final purpose of the church, according to Acts 2:42 is to pray. The church is a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4: 6-7 encourages us to do so, “Be anxious for nothing, but let your requests be known before God in every prayer and prayer, with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. ”

Another "commission" given to the church is to proclaim the Gospel for Salvation, through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28: 18-20; Acts 1: 8). The church is called to faithfully share the Gospel through its word and deeds. The church is to be a "beacon of light" in the community, leading people to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is both to promote the Gospel and to prepare its members to proclaim it (1 Peter 3:15).

Some final purposes of the church are given in James 1:27, where we read "The pure religion without a macula before God the Father is this: Visiting orphans and widows in their tribulations, and keeping themselves without spot of the world." The church is to minister to those who are in need. This includes not only sharing the Gospel, but also providing for your physical needs (food, clothing, lodging) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools they need to overcome sin and remain free from the contamination of the world. This is achieved through biblical teaching and Christian fellowship.

So, with all that we have said, what is the purpose of the church? Paul gives an excellent illustration to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27. The church is the "body" of God - we are His hands, mouth and feet in this world. We are here to do the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically in the world. The church is to be "Christian" --- that is, "like Christ" --- and to be followers of Christ.
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