What Does The Bible Say About The Church
The Bible is filled with references to the church, making it a crucial topic to consider when discussing Christianity. The church has been referred to throughout Scripture in various ways, including the body of Christ, an assembly, the body of all believers, and even a family. But what does the Bible say about the church? This article will explore what the Bible teaches about the importance, role, and mission of the church.
The Bible speaks to the importance of fellowship in the church. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Bible instructs believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. The church is a place where believers can come together, providing one another with support, encouragement, and accountability in living out the faith. The church is an integral part of the Christian life, providing spiritual guidance and helping believers to grow and flourish in their faith.
The church is also significant in its role to spread the Gospel. As Christ was sent to bring salvation to the world, the church has been entrusted to continue in his mission. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands the church to “Go and make disciples of all nations”. The church is called to be a beacon of hope, a light in the darkness, spreading the good news of the gospel to all.
The church’s primary mission is to bring glory to God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul wrote: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. The church is not only to glorify God through the sharing of the Gospel, but also to exalt Him through the way they live. The church is to be an example to the world, demonstrating what it means to live a life of faith.
Spiritual Gifts
The Bible also speaks to the diversity of spiritual gifts bestowed upon the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul spoke of “different kinds of service, but the same Lord”, referring to the various spiritual gifts given by God for the benefit of the church. Through their spiritual gifts, believers are able to participate in the mission of the church, in their own unique way. These gifts enable believers to use their individual abilities to serve the Lord, ultimately edifying and building up the body of believers.
The Bible goes further in speaking to the purpose of these gifts by stating in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”. All spiritual gifts serve to benefit others in the body of believers. Often times, spiritual gifts are used to bring the comfort of God’s love and grace to the hearts of others. As gifts are shared throughout the church, believers are blessed and encouraged in their faith.
The Bible also provides instruction on the use of spiritual gifts. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:11 “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines”. Spiritual gifts are not to be used in a prideful manner, bragging one’s own abilities. Rather, gifts are to be exercised with humility and care, always keeping in mind the needs of others.
It is also important to remember that spiritual gifts are not a measure of one’s faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul wrote about the importance of love, above all else. All believers are called to pursue faith and love, and to serve God with their spiritual gifts. Thus, there is no one with superior gifts or gifts that are more desirable than others. All gifts are to be acknowledged and honored, as they are a special blessing from the Lord.
Leadership
In addition to discussing spiritual gifts, the Bible also speaks to the role of leadership in the church. In Acts 6:3, Scripture records the appointment of the first deacons in the Christian church, showing the significance of having Spirit-led leadership to oversee the day-to-day operations of the church. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the Bible outlines the qualifications for those in church leadership, emphasizing the character of the individual as well as their skills.
The Bible also speaks to the purpose of leadership in the church. In Ephesians 4:12-15, Paul described the role of the leadership as equipping and preparing the church for service. He wrote, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ”. Leadership is important in the church, as it is through their guidance that the church is able to mature and grow spiritually.
Leadership is also to be used in an honorable and noble manner. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, Peter emphasized the importance of humility and service in leadership. He taught that leaders are to lead through example, leading first and acting as servants to the people they serve. The Bible shows that leadership should be used with the utmost respect and reverence.
Discipleship
The Bible also speaks to the topic of discipleship in the church. In Matthew 28: 18-20, Jesus gave what is commonly known as the Great Commission, instructing His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations”. This mission of making disciples is still relevant today and is an essential practice in the church.
The purpose of discipleship is to teach and equip believers to live and grow faithfully in their faith. The Bible speaks to this in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Discipleship is to be passed on, as faithful believers are to train and equip other believers in the ways of the Lord.
The Bible speaks to the important roles of both disciple and disciple-maker. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus tells His disciples that they are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”, pointing to the responsibility that comes with discipleship. Disciples are to exemplify the love and grace of God in their words and actions. Disciples are also to learn from those who teach them, learning how to live faithfully and serve the Lord.
At the same time, the Bible speaks to the role of the disciple-maker, urging them to be invested in the lives of their disciples. In Titus 2:2-3, Paul writes, “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” Disciple-makers are to use their wisdom and experience to mentor and train their disciples.
Unity
Finally, the Bible speaks to the importance of unity in the church. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul instructs believers to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit, through the bond of peace. The Bible also speaks to the source of that unity, reminding believers that it is from the grace of God that all Christians are brought together as one. In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul wrote, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This passage reminds believers that it is only through the unifying love of God that believers can find true unity.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of showing that unity to the world. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays to the Father, asking Him to keep His disciples as one, so that the world may know and believe in the one true God. It is a reminder of the power of unity and how it can be used to reflect the glory of God. The church’s most powerful witness is the unity found in the love of God and the love amongst believers.
Lifestyle
The Bible also speaks to how believers are to live in order to bring glory to God. In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul calls believers to put on certain virtues, including compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This passage speaks of the importance of living a life of integrity, as it is through their lives that the church brings glory to God. It is also a reminder that the church is to serve and love others with grace, mercy and humility.
The Bible also speaks to the role of faith in living out a Christian lifestyle. In James 2:14-17, the Bible speaks of the importance of putting one’s faith into action. “What good is it if someone claims to have faith but doesn’t have works? Can this kind of faith save them?” Thus, faith must be used to shape one’s life, driving believers to display the love and grace of Jesus to all people.
Living a Christian lifestyle also requires the power of prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, the Bible instructs believers to “pray without ceasing”. This is a reminder of the importance of a prayerful lifestyle, and how prayer can bring strength and power to believers as they strive to live faithfully. Through prayer, believers can bring their needs and concerns to the Lord and find comfort in His promise of love and grace.
Witness
Lastly, the Bible speaks to the role of the church in being a witness to the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares that believers are the “light of the world”. The church is not just to share the gospel, but to also demonstrate the unconditional love and grace of God. As believers love one another, they are able to bring hope and healing to a broken world.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of humility in being a witness to the world. In 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, the Bible instructs believers that “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial…So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. The church is to be humble and graciously share the love of God, never seeking personal glory or recognition.
The Bible also speaks to the power of the church community in being a witness to the world. In Acts 4:32, it is written that “All the believers were of one heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had”. By living out these verses, believers are able to show the world a glimpse of God’s unconditional love and grace, as well as demonstrate the power of the church when believers come together, united in love.
