Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin The term "church" in the New Testament is derived from the Greek word "ekklesia," which means "assembly" or "called-out ones." It refers to the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ. The Church is both a spiritual organism and a physical gathering of believers, established by Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 16:18, 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" . Nature and Purpose The Church is described as the Body of Christ, with Christ Himself as the head. Ephesians 1:22-23 states, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" . The Church exists to glorify God, edify believers, and evangelize the world. It is called to be a light in the darkness, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). Functions and Practices The early Church devoted itself to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). These practices continue to be central to the life of the Church today. The Church administers the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Lord's Supper, as outward signs of inward grace. Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4), while the Lord's Supper commemorates His sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Structure and Leadership The New Testament outlines a structure for church leadership, including roles such as elders, overseers, and deacons. Elders are tasked with shepherding the flock and teaching sound doctrine (1 Peter 5:1-2; Titus 1:9). Deacons serve by attending to the practical needs of the congregation (Acts 6:1-6). Leadership within the Church is characterized by servanthood, as exemplified by Christ Himself (Mark 10:45). Unity and Diversity The Church is called to unity in diversity, reflecting the oneness of the Spirit and the diversity of gifts among its members. Ephesians 4:4-6 emphasizes, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" . The diversity of spiritual gifts is given for the common good and the building up of the body (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Mission and Evangelism The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, charges the Church with the mission of making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded. The Church is to be a witness to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Evangelism and mission work are central to the Church's purpose, as it seeks to spread the gospel and expand the kingdom of God. Persecution and Perseverance Throughout history, the Church has faced persecution and opposition. Jesus warned His followers of this reality, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). Despite persecution, the Church is called to persevere, holding fast to the faith and continuing in love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:23-25). Eschatological Hope The Church lives in anticipation of Christ's return and the consummation of His kingdom. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful and watchful, as the day of the Lord approaches (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6). The Church's ultimate hope is the eternal reign of Christ, where believers will dwell with Him forever (Revelation 21:3-4). Topical Bible Verses Matthew 16:18And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Topicalbible.org Ephesians 1:22-23 Colossians 1:18 Acts 2:42-47 1 Timothy 2:8 1 Corinthians 14:34 Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ekklesia Phonetic Spelling: (ek-klay-see'-ah) Short Definition: an assembly, congregation, church Definition: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k 1936. epithesis -- a laying on, an assault 1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer 4983. soma -- a body 2941. kubernesis -- steering, government, administration 5486. charisma -- a gift of grace, a free gift 367. Ananias -- Ananias, the name of three Israelites 4244. presbuterion -- a body of elders 2233. hegeomai -- to lead, suppose 5402. Phoibe -- Phoebe, a deaconess Library The Ancient Church History of the Christian Church, Volume I Hymn Writers of the Church Church History Hymns of the Early Church The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Hymns of the Apostolic Church Hymns of the Russian Church Hymns of the Eastern Church Hymns of the Greek Church Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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