Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the church as a harmonious fellowship is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the church is depicted as the body of Christ, a spiritual family united in faith, love, and purpose. This harmonious fellowship is characterized by unity, mutual edification, and a shared commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.Unity in the Body of Christ The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the unity of believers in the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 , he writes, "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This passage highlights the diversity within the church, yet underscores the unity that the Holy Spirit brings among believers, transcending cultural and social barriers. Mutual Edification and Love The harmonious fellowship of the church is also marked by mutual edification and love. Ephesians 4:15-16 states, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part." Here, Paul describes the church as a body that grows and strengthens itself through love and the active participation of each member, emphasizing the importance of every believer's contribution to the community. Shared Commitment to Christ's Teachings The early church is depicted in Acts 2:42 as a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This verse illustrates the church's commitment to maintaining a harmonious fellowship through shared spiritual practices and adherence to the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Bearing One Another's Burdens Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This command reflects the church's role as a supportive community where members care for one another, demonstrating Christ's love through practical acts of service and compassion. The Role of Peace and Reconciliation Peace and reconciliation are central to the church's harmonious fellowship. Colossians 3:15 exhorts, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful." The peace of Christ is to govern the relationships within the church, fostering an environment where reconciliation and gratitude prevail. Conclusion The church, as a harmonious fellowship, is a divine institution where believers are united in Christ, committed to mutual edification, and dedicated to living out the teachings of Jesus. Through unity, love, and shared purpose, the church reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and serves as a testament to the world of God's redemptive work in humanity. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 133:1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Nave's Topical Index John 13:34 Acts 4:32 Philippians 1:4 Philippians 2:1 1 John 3:1 1 John 4:1 Library The Church Tested Articles vii and viii: of the Church. The Theory of the Church, and the History of Its Perversion. Good-Will Exists Especially in the Church, and Nourishes Kindred ... The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. ) Acts XVI An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. 1 John iv. 1-3 The Catholic System. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between the visible and invisible church? | GotQuestions.org What items should be included in a church constitution? | 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 |
    |