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There is a church in the Bible

In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus declared: “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. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This raises an important question: Did Jesus really build His church? The answer is yes. God is not a man that He should lie (Titus 1:2). If Jesus made this promise, then we can be confident that He fulfilled it. So then, what is that church?


Before we define it, we must understand what the church Jesus built is not. It is not:

1. A human organization

2. A denomination

3. A physical building

4. An afterthought or a Plan B

The church Jesus built is a spiritual body of people, called out of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10). It was foreordained before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and it was prophesied about long before its establishment. It is described in Scripture as the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven.


Isaiah prophesied about this church in Isaiah 2:2-3, also echoed in Micah 4:1-2. He foretold that:

1. It would be established in the “latter days,” referring to the Christian age (Hebrews 1:1-2; Acts 2:16-17).

2. People would say, “Let us go to the house of the LORD,” referring to the church, the house of God (1 Timothy 3:14-15).

3. All nations would flow to it, showing that the church would be universal (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

4. The law, meaning the word of God, that would establish the church, would go forth from Zion (Jerusalem), which was fulfilled in Acts 2 (Luke 24:46-49).


Daniel also prophesied about this kingdom in Daniel 2:1-45 and Daniel 7:13-14. He revealed that:

1. It would be established during the Roman Empire.

2. It would be set up by God Himself.

3. It would never be destroyed.

4. All peoples, nations, and languages would serve Christ in His kingdom.


Jesus said in Mark 9:1 that the kingdom would come with power. That power came upon the apostles on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, in Jerusalem. Peter and the apostles preached the gospel, and about three thousand people obeyed through baptism (Acts 2:41). The Bible teaches that those who are saved are added to the church (Acts 2:47).


How, then, can you identify this church today? The church Jesus built is recognized by its faithfulness to the teachings of the New Testament:

1. It continues steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42).

2. It meets on the first day of the week to worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

3. In its worship: prayer is offered (Acts 2:42), and men lead in public prayer (1 Timothy 2:8).

4. It observes the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), not monthly or yearly, but weekly.

5. Giving is done willingly and cheerfully to support the work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7), not by compulsion.

6. It sings psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs from the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17), using the voice rather than mechanical instruments.

7. The Word of God is taught for exhortation and edification (Acts 20:7).

8. Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).

9. The church is led by elders, also called pastors, shepherds, overseers, or bishops (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

10. Deacons serve under the elders (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).


The church is described in Scripture with names that reflect its relationship to Christ:

1. The church of Christ (Romans 16:16)

2. The kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13)

3. The church (Acts 8:1; Ephesians 3:10)

4. The church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2)

5. The body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)

6. The church of the living God (1 Timothy 3:15)

7. The house of God (1 Timothy 3:15)

8. The church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23)

9. The bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-25)


How does one become a member of this church?

The Bible clearly outlines the steps:

1. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17; John 12:48)

2. Believe in Christ (John 3:16; John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16)

3. Repent of sins (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30-31)

4. Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37)

5. Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4)

6. Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10)


Are you a member of the church that Jesus built? “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them… And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41, 47, NKJV). If you desire to be part of the church Jesus built, the invitation is open. Kindly respond today.


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