Finding a church can be really difficult, so what should I look for as I explore the Church?
Acts 2:42 - This should be considered a purpose statement for the church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1 - teaching biblical doctrine, 2 - providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3 - observing the Lord’s supper, and 4 - praying.
The church is to teach biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith.
This includes not only sharing the gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to strengthen believers in Christ with the faith they need to overcome all the worldly trappings.
So, what is the purpose of the church? Paul gave an excellent illustration to the believers in Corinth. The church is God’s hands, mouth, and feet in this world—the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were physically here, on the earth. The church is to be “Christian,” “Christ-like,” and Christ-following.
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