TERMS.
The church (which means: “called out”) is called out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9- 10). The church is also called: Kingdom (Colossians 1:13); body (1 Corinthians 12:27); household (1Timothy 3:15); bride of Christ (Romans 7:21); and more.
THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH.
In Ephesians 3:10-11, it is clear that the church was in God’s eternal purpose. The scriptures teach that the church would begin during the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:37-44); at Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-3); with the Apostles (Acts 1:8); and with power (Mark 9:1). All this occurred as revealed in Acts 2.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH.
The scriptures teach that our worship is to consist of: singing (Ephesians 5:19); prayer (Acts 12:5); preaching (Acts 20:7); Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7); and contribution (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The organization is that with Christ as the head (Ephesians 1:22-23), elders and deacons (Philippians 1:1). Her purpose is to make known “the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:9-10).
SUMMARY.
This one church (Ephesians 4:4) is that which Christ will save (Ephesians 5:23). All imposters shall be rooted up (Matthew 15:13). Let us remain faithful in all aspects (Colossians 3:17).
Gary Henson