Topical Bible: Church: Loved by Believers

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The concept of the Church holds a central place in Christian theology and practice, being deeply cherished by believers throughout history. The Church is not merely a physical building or an institution but is understood as the body of Christ, a spiritual entity composed of all who have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This profound love for the Church is rooted in its divine foundation, purpose, and the intimate relationship believers share with it.

Biblical Foundation

The Church is established by Christ Himself, as seen in Matthew 16:18, where Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This foundational promise assures believers of the Church's divine origin and its ultimate triumph over evil. The Church is described as the bride of Christ, a metaphor that underscores the deep love and commitment between Christ and His followers. Ephesians 5:25-27 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless."

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe the Church, emphasizing unity and diversity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 , Paul writes, "The body is a unit, though it is comprised of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with 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 imagery highlights the interconnectedness of believers and their collective identity in Christ, fostering a deep love and commitment to one another.

The Church's Role and Mission

Believers love the Church not only for its spiritual significance but also for its mission in the world. The Church is called to be a light to the nations, proclaiming the gospel and making disciples of all nations, as commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The Church serves as a community of worship, fellowship, and service, where believers grow in their faith and support one another. Acts 2:42 describes the early Church's devotion: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

The Church as a Source of Spiritual Nourishment

The Church provides spiritual nourishment and growth for believers through the teaching of Scripture, the sacraments, and communal worship. Ephesians 4:11-13 explains the purpose of the Church's leadership: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This equipping and edification foster a deep love for the Church as believers grow in their relationship with God and each other.

The Church as a Family

The Church is often described as a family, where believers experience love, support, and accountability. In Galatians 6:10 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This familial bond is cherished by believers, who find in the Church a place of belonging and mutual care.

Conclusion

The Church, as the beloved community of believers, is cherished for its divine foundation, its role as the body of Christ, its mission in the world, and its nurturing environment. Through the Church, believers experience the love of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, making it an integral and treasured part of their faith journey.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 87:7
As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in you.
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Psalm 137:5
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
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1 Corinthians 12:25
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
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1 Thessalonians 4:9
But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write to you: for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
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Library

Because Nothing Can Separate Believers from the Love of Christ.
... Seven The Beneficiaries of the Redeemer's Return 6. Because nothing can separate
believers from the Love ... He comes for that Church which He loved and for ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/6 because nothing can separate.htm

Sixth Day for the Spirit of Love in the Church
... WHAT TO PRAY."For the Spirit of Love in the Church ... that the love wherewith Thou hast
loved Me may be in ... Believers are one in Christ, as He is one with the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/sixth day for the spirit.htm

He is Lovely in his Relations.
... and provocations as Christ does; the church is called ... and strong affection as Jesus
Christ loves believers. Jacob loved Rachel, and endured for her sake the ...
/.../flavel/christ altogether lovely/he is lovely in his 3.htm

Christ Precious to Believers
... this is a positive fact, that UNTO BELIEVERS JESUS CHRIST ... these things we shall be
as the church has been, more than conquerors through him that loved us. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ precious to believers.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the Church.
... Millennium that the unity of the Church"in contradistinction ... sects in Christendom
which now divide believers"will be ... hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 the millennium in relation.htm

The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
... of Christ and the head of the Church, is unscriptural ... and the Son, to be believed
in, loved, obeyed, and ... He unites all believers to Christ, dwells in them as ...
/.../the presbyterian church in the.htm

Of the Church
... faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and ... spiritual grace which he is continually
bestowing upon his Church. ... a lower degree, is given to all believers: But it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 74 of the church.htm

The High Priest's Prayer
... it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may ... prayer reaches out to all generations
of believers to the ... the history of the world or the Church; and also ...
/.../the high priests prayer.htm

A Faithful Witness
... was waning in the church, urged upon believers the constant ... His letters to the church
are full of this thought. ... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 54 a faithful witness.htm

Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles ...
... those which positively teach a total rapture of the Church. ... of God I rose too, for
all believers were identified ... for His great love wherewith He loved us, even ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/10 because there is not.htm