The church is not first of all a building. It is people: those who confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour and come together to worship Him. When Peter said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus answered, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:16-18). Jesus Himself is the foundation and the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).
The first believers “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). They shared what they had, cared for the needy and praised God together. That is still God’s plan: a family where no one walks alone.
The church also has a mission. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). We are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood… that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). That is why we do not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25).
Key Bible verses
- Matthew 16:13-18Upon this rock I will build my church.
- Ephesians 1:22-23Christ is the head of the church, His body.
- Acts 2:41-47Teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.
- Matthew 28:19-20Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.
- 1 Peter 2:9A chosen generation, a royal priesthood.
- Hebrews 10:24-25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.
- Ephesians 5:25-27Christ loved the church and gave himself for it.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- What do you value most about your church family?
- Acts 2:42 lists teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. Which of these does your church need more of?
- Who in your church could you encourage or help this week?
