WHY THE CHURCH?

The Church is a body of Christian worshipping in a particular building or constituting a congregation. Most dictionary sees the church as a building where Christians gather and this is the way most people see the Church. 

How does Jesus see the church?

Jesus sees the church as a family or community composed of people who are dedicated to serving God. 

Mathew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

The Church is beyond the building but the congregation of people. Experience in recent times has helped to understand the fact that the Church is beyond the building. During the lockdown that we could not go to " Church as a building" we were congregating in our homes.

To understand the reason for the Church, we must know the history. The Church of Christ  (from my personal study) started from JERUSALEM after Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. Some historian's and writers have said the church began from Antioch because that was the first place they were called Christian. The Scriptures confirms that the church began from Jerusalem.

Act 1:4

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Act 1:12-14

12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

With the çomming together and continuous fellowship, the baptism of the Holy Spirit came upon them. The Pentecost was the foundation that empowered the church to reach the whole world. 

What is the purpose of the Church?

The purpose of the church was mentioned in these two scriptures: Mathew 22:37-40, Mathew 28:19-20.

1. Worship: Show of love to God in adoration, reference, eulogy, praise and appreciation.

2. Fellowship: Communion with God and brethren in sharing, Love, communication, and relationship.

3. Discipleship: teaching all that Christ has commanded and leading them to be like Christ.

4. Ministry: Fulfilling of the ministry of reconciliation through the five-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12 - Apostle, Evangelist, Pastors, Prophet and teachers) and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

5. Mission: Preach the gospel of Christ to the entire world. Witness Jesus from your locality and take it to the World.

This are the five reasons Jesus asked them to come together at the beginning of the church. So it is time for the Church to begin to fulfil its purpose. 

You are a part of the Church if we don't congregate there is no Church. Let us get involved, join a living Church where you can worship God; fed with the word of God; discipled; participate in the ministry and fulfilment of the mission given by Jesus Christ. This is the whole essence of the Church.