Topical Encyclopedia The term "Church of God" is a significant designation found within the New Testament, reflecting both the identity and mission of the Christian community. The phrase emphasizes the divine ownership and authority over the church, underscoring its role as the assembly of believers called out by God.Biblical Foundation The concept of the "Church of God" is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently uses the term to describe the collective body of believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses his letter "to the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours" . This passage highlights the sanctification and calling of the church, emphasizing its universal nature and unity in Christ. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 10:32, Paul advises believers to "give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God" , indicating the distinct identity of the church as a separate entity within the broader societal context. The church is portrayed as a community that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, unified by faith in Jesus Christ. Theological Significance Theologically, the "Church of God" signifies the assembly of those who have been redeemed and set apart by God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a spiritual organism, not merely an organization, characterized by its relationship with God and its mission to proclaim the gospel. The church is described as the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27), with Christ as its head, indicating a living, dynamic relationship between Christ and His followers. The church's mission is to glorify God, edify believers, and evangelize the world. In Ephesians 3:10, Paul writes, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" . This passage underscores the church's role in revealing God's wisdom and purpose to both earthly and spiritual realms. Ecclesiastical Structure The New Testament provides a framework for the governance and organization of the Church of God. Leadership within the church is typically characterized by a plurality of elders or overseers, as seen in passages like Acts 14:23 and Titus 1:5. These leaders are tasked with shepherding the flock, teaching sound doctrine, and maintaining the spiritual health of the congregation. The church is also marked by the practice of ordinances, such as baptism and the Lord's Supper, which serve as outward expressions of inward faith and commitment to Christ. These practices are rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, serving as means of grace and reminders of the believer's union with Christ. Historical Context Throughout history, various Christian denominations and movements have adopted the name "Church of God" to emphasize their commitment to biblical principles and the authority of God over the church. These groups often stress the importance of holiness, evangelism, and adherence to the teachings of Scripture. The "Church of God" as a designation serves as a reminder of the church's divine origin and purpose. It calls believers to live in accordance with their identity as God's people, set apart for His glory and service in the world. Nave's Topical Index Acts 20:28Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. Nave's Topical Index Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... of believers whom God calls from the world and His eternal kingdom. [The word "" comes from the Greek word , "belonging to the Lord" (). 1577 ("church") is the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k 1936. epithesis -- a laying on, an assault 1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer 5486. charisma -- a gift of grace, a free gift 484. antilempsis -- a laying hold of, help Library On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ... The Church of God. For the Church of God, E. ... Psalm 135 Part 1 the Church is God's House and Care. All who Enter the Church of God and Hear the Holy Scriptures... Christians must not Forsake the Church of God, and Go Away and ... God's Purpose for his Church What the Church Teaches About God. The Two Gods of the Manich??ans ... Psalm 74. The Church Pleading with God under Sore Persecutions. The Church Militant 470. City of God, How Broad and Far Resources What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. T. (K. J. V. And Others) Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Firstborn Church: Church of the Living God Church: City of the Living God Church: Congregation of Saints Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished Church: Divisions In, to be Shunned Church: Family in Heaven and Earth Church: General Assembly of the Firstborn (People) Church: God Provides Ministers For Church: God's Husbandry (Farm) Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Harmonious Fellowship of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Asia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Babylon Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Caesarea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cenchrea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cilicia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Corinth Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galatia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galilee Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Jerusalem Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Joppa Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Judaea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Samaria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Sardis Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Syria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thessalonica Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thyatira Church: Lot of God's Inheritance Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Mountain of the Lord's House Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Church: Salt and Light of the World Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken Church: Strength and Glory of God Church: Temple of the Living God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Church: Worship of, to be Attended The Church is Edified by the Word The Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of The Church: Christ, the Head of The Church: Clothed in Righteousness The Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished The Church: Displays the Wisdom of God The Church: Extent of, Predicted The Church: Glory to be Ascribed to God By The Church: God Provides Ministers For The Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed The Church: Not to be Despised The Church: Purchased by the Blood of Christ The Church: Saints Baptised Into, by One Spirit The Church: Sanctified and Cleansed by Christ The Church: Shows Forth the Praises of God The Church: The Body of Christ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God The Church: The Wicked Persecute Related Terms |
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