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286 ♦ 6/bfe waters' Theology Chapter Nine
8:14-17; Romans 8:26-27; John 3:35; I John 1:3; I John 2:1; I John 3:1; Romans
8:28-39; Ephesians 3:7-12,14-19.)
9.4 Purpose of the Church
The Church is on earth to fulfill the will of God for mankind, that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Luke 3:6). Evangelizing to reach the lost world is a must for the Church (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-47). Jesus Christ said, "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shallnotprevailagainstit"(Matthew16:18). Asamightyinstrumentinthe h£ind of God, it is destined to destroy the works of the devil, by His power (IJohn3:8;John8:44;Hebrews2:14). Itisthatcitythatissetonanhillthat cannotbehid(Matthew5:14;cf.Isaiah2:2-4;Isaiah60:1-3). Thispurposeis accomplished by a variety of means.
A Unity In Fellowship
It was recorded of the disciples of Christ on the day of Pentecost that "theywereallwithoneaccordinoneplace"(Acts2:1). Later,thefirstcon verts, "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship" (Acts 2:42). The unity exhibited by the early Church in all its actions was not meant to be short-lived. The eternal covenant of God, foreshadowing the Church, is spelt out in these words: "I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me forever" Jeremiah 32:39).
Fellowship is one of Paul's favorite themes. He beseeches believers to be "endeavoriil^ to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Jude also exhorts to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).
The Church is the body of Christ; Christ is its head (I Corinthians 12:12- 13; Ephesians 2:20-21; 5:23,30). Its members have gone through the new birth experience. Its divine origin make it possible for its members to remain true to the commandment of Christ: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Examples of genuine Christian fellowships, demonstrated in many practical ways in the apostolic era, are to be emulated today. (See Galatians 6:1-10; Romans 15:26; II Corinthians 8:4; 9:13.)
B Worship
Christ's own testimony was that God was seeking for those who would worship Him in spirit and in truth John 4:23-24). That hour came with the birth of the church, as the new converts were "continuing daily, with one accord in the temple... praising God and having favor with all the people"
(Acts 2:46-47).