Why We Need the Church ?

In today’s world, many people question the necessity of the church, particularly with the rise of alternatives for spiritual connection such as online resources, personal devotion, and small gatherings. Phrases like, “I believe in Christ, but I don’t need the church” are often heard. However, the Bible shows that the church is not merely an optional community for believers; it is vital for a deep and vibrant life in Christ.

This article explores the importance of the church in both its universal and local forms, what the Bible says about it, and how we can be actively involved in this life-giving community.

The universal church is not a group of denominations or sects, but rather the assembly of all believers united under Christ. According to Scripture, it is described in various ways, each highlighting its spiritual nature and divine purpose:

• Matthew 16:18: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

• The church is described as Christ’s body, over which He is the head:

• Ephesians 1:22-23: “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
• The unity of believers within this body:
• Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.”
• Salvation is through membership in His body:
• Ephesians 5:23: “…Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.”
• Romans 12:5: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

• The church as God’s household, where believers are family:

• 1 Timothy 3:15: “…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

• The church is God’s spiritual temple, with His Spirit dwelling among believers:

• Ephesians 2:19-22: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God… in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”
• The Spirit resides within the church as a unified dwelling:
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

• The church is the kingdom where believers are conveyed into the reign of Christ:

• Colossians 1:13: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
• John writes from his position in Christ’s kingdom:
• Revelation 1:9: “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ…”

The New Testament reveals that the universal church is essential for believers. Jesus, as the Savior and Shepherd, established His church, expressing profound love, sacrifice, and purpose for it. Here is why we need the church universal, as indicated by Scripture:

• Ephesians 5:23: “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.”

• Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”

• Ephesians 5:25: The sacrificial love of Christ for His church is displayed in His willingness to give His life for it.

• Acts 20:28: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock…to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

• Ephesians 5:26: “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”
• John 3:5: Jesus taught, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
• Acts 22:16: Ananias told Paul, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
• Titus 3:5-7: Paul writes, “…according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
• Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart…having our bodies washed with pure water.”
• 1 Peter 3:21: Peter affirms that “baptism now saves us

• Ephesians 5:27: “That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

• Ephesians 5:29: “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.”

• Ephesians 1:22: “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.”

• Ephesians 1:23: “…which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

• Acts 2:41: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”
• Acts 2:47: “…And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

The local church, as defined by Scripture, is distinct from the general concept many hold today. It is not simply any group calling itself a church, nor is it necessarily every congregation labelled a “Church of Christ.” Instead, it refers to a community of believers who regularly meet in a specific location for worship, fellowship, and mutual support, following New Testament teachings.

• Acts 11:26: “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people.”
• Acts 13:1: “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers…”
• Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.”
  

• Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

• Acts 20:7: “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them…”
• 1 Corinthians 11:20-34: Paul provides further instructions on the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper within the church gathering.

• Acts 14:23: “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”
• Philippians 1:1: “…to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.”
• Titus 1:5-9: Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every town and provides qualifications.
• 1 Timothy 3:1-13: Qualifications for elders and deacons are detailed.
  

• 1 Corinthians 12:25-26: “That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it…”

• Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…”

• Philippians 1:4-5: Paul speaks of the partnership in the gospel ministry shared by the Philippian church.
• Romans 15:26: Paul speaks of the contribution made by the churches for the needy saints in Jerusalem.
  

• Ephesians 4:11-16: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”

In conclusion, both the universal and local church are indispensable parts of the Christian faith, as they reflect the heart and body of Christ. Whether we speak of the universal church, which encompasses all believers, or the local church, which serves as the physical community of believers, both are vital to God’s plan for our spiritual growth, our fellowship, and our mission. Through these communities, we experience the fullness of Christ’s love, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of His Word. So, let us be a part of the church, for it is where Christ dwells, and where His mission to the world unfolds.

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