THE CHURCH
Jesus view about the “CHURCH” Matt. 16:16-19 [cooperate or collective pronouncement]
Jesus defined the church in two ways namely
The universal Church and the Local Church
The Universal church
The Universal church refers to all believers of all ages in Christ. The universal church is the invisible church, also called mystical church. It comprises of both the dead and the living saints. – Mtt. 16:13-19, & Heb. 12:23. The Universal church involves a mystic. That is, union of all believers of all ages into a spiritual body. In other words, a combination of believers of all ages- the saved Jews and saved Gentiles.
The Local Church
The local church is the visible church, the local church defines our relationship to our fellow men (That is relationship among brethren; within and without) – Mt. 18:15-20.
The local church involves specific group of people in a given locality marked out by confession of faith, disciples of life, obedience in Baptism, gathered to the person of Jesus Christ who is positioned by God the father as the head of the Church. – Col.1:18 having gifted ministries and keeping the memorial of the Lord.
Because the local church is comprised of brothers and sisters, it is therefore pictured as – Acts 2:44-47
- A family setting
- A place of close relationship
- A place of belonging
Since the church is considered to be a family setting, a place of close relationship and a place of belonging then, we should understand that the local church is made up of human beings not spirits. Therefore, the local church is not perfect. Matthew 5:48 was actually referring to perfection in love. And attaining this perfection implies attaining maturity in dealing with life issues in respect to relationship with others. Since the local church is not perfect there is found to be following:
- Conflict among brethren – Mtt. 18:15-20
- Difficulties to work through until Jesus comes
God fore knew this so he provided a means where by these conflicts could/can be resolved. We as true brethren, we must be committed to conflict resolution and working through the problem as prescribed by our Master Jesus Christ. Heaven and all the above,
See Also The Doctrine of Excommunication
The Church: What Should the Local Church Be?
The local church must therefore be a place of:
- Discipline: (verse 16-17)- So she should not be seen as a loose knit group having no responsibility or accountability to the other acting as checks and balances to each other. 1 Tim. 5:13, 19:13, 2 Thess. 3;11
- It is a place where we get involved in each other’s life – Pro. 27:25, 1Peter 5:2
- It is a place where sin is confronted and discipline administered duly – Titus 1:10-13, 1Tim. 5:20 we should stop romancing faults.
- It is a place where you are known to be a part. 1Cor. 12:12-27
- It is a place from which you can be expelled when you offend and refused to repent/change after series of warnings. Titus 3:10, 2thess. 34:14-15.
- The local church is a channel of God’s Authority- so we must be subjected in obedience to this Authority. When you disobey the authority, you are equally disobeying God himself. Most importantly, this authority should be such authority that has it foundation on the landmarks of Jesus Christ and tallies with the will of God for mankind. And not “an eye for an eye” before everyone will become so blind in the local church.
- The church is a place of unity and agreement – Mtt. 18:19
- The church is a place where Christ promises dwells – Mtt. 18:20
- The church is a gathering identified with the name of Christ – Mtt. 18:20
The local church is not the material building you see, it is the brethren. The church is a representative of Christ in any given locality – so it is of great importance that the local church adds values in that locality or society she finds herself. – Mtt. 5:13-16.
Understanding that when the locality the church finds herself gets corrupted the church is held responsible.
Note:
- One person cannot make up a local church
- The local church is not made complete until there is a great need and exercise for love, patient and forgiveness – Mtt. 6:12, Mtt. 18:21-22 – that is the church Christ would/should be presenting to His Father on the last day – Eph. 5:27.
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