In the Bible the Church is called:
* The temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)
* The bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32)
* The body of Christ (Colossians 1:18,24; Ephesians 1:22-23)
* The kingdom of God’s son (Colossians 1:13)
* The house of God (1 Timothy 3:15)
* The church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2)
* The church of the first-born (Hebrews 12:23)
* The church of the Lord (Acts 20:28)
* The churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) |
The origin of the Church is:
* Built by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:13-18)
* Purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28)
* Built on Jesus Christ as the only foundation (1 Cor. 3:11)
* Not built on Peter, Paul, or any other man (1 Cor.1:12-13)
* Composed of the saved; added to it by the Lord who saves them (Acts 2:47) |
Members of the Church are called:
* Members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:4-5)
* Disciples of Christ (Acts 6:1,7; Acts 11:26)
* Believers (Acts 5:14; 2 Corinthians 6:15)
* Saints (Acts 9:13; Romans 1:7; Philippians 1:1)
* Priests (1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6)
* Children of God (Galatians 3:26-27; 1 John 3:1-2)
* Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) |
The local Church has:
* Elders (also called bishops and pastors) who oversee the flock (1 Tim.3)
* Deacons, who serve the church (1 Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1)
* Evangelists (preachers, ministers) who teach and proclaim the word of God
(Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)
* Members, who love the Lord and each other (Philippians 2:1-5) |
The Lord Jesus Christ:
* Loved the church (Ephesians 5:25)
* Shed His blood for the church (Acts 20:28)
* Established the church (Matthew 16:18)
* Added saved people to the church (Acts 2:47)
* Is the head of the church (Ephes. 1:22-23; Ephes. 5:23)
* Will save the church (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23) |