Basic Functions of the Church
In this and the next posting we simply list basic functions of our church and connect them to scriptures. We talked before about two formal ordinances of the local church – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Now we look at scriptures that remind us of additional important work of the local church.
The church serves God in many ways:
Worship
It is a place where we worship, which is to glorify God.
Eph 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
In this worship, He is glorified, and we praise him because we belong to God.
1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
God’s Word
The church is where we can receive preaching and teaching from the Word of God – the Bible
This is critical. We see in Paul’s second letter to Timothy how Paul placed great importance on teaching and preaching. He was commanding Timothy to “preach to Word.” We all need that instruction so that we can grow in Christ and have positive direction in our life for God.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Fellowship
It is our location for fellowship with God and other believers. This was true in the early first century church, too.
Ac 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Prayer Together
Our churches provide a powerful center to bring our prayers together. We see it in the verse above, Acts 2:42. Christ taught his disciples of the power of asking of him together in prayer.
Mt 18:18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Next time we look at more works that our local churches serve:
- Evangelism
- Charity
- Stewardship
Blessings,
Larry
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