There are many church buildings that we see as we move about, but very few people who are attending. It goes back to what is really important for the person. Some will go to church to find a spouse or to be entertained, but the main reason to attend church is to fulfill the heart’s desire for a believer to learn how to live for Christ and grow in Christ.
The church exists today because it is God’s will for it to exist.
Who is the founder and builder of the church?
Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.
Jesus is referring to Himself as the rock that will build the church, which is His church. This is why we are to exalt Christ first as the head of the church. When it comes to recognizing persons for their accomplishments, it is not to be done to glorify the person; instead, it is to acknowledge how Jesus Christ was the primary focus of the contributor in the church.
Success is not in the numbers of the people within the church or in titles. God looks at the hearts of its people. The people of the church is always to recognize Christ as the head of the church.
Ephesians 1:22
And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church.
Ephesians 5:23
…for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body.
Colossians 1:18
He is also the head of the body, the church;
He is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead,
so that He might come to have
first place in everything.
1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Jesus Christ provides for His church:
Ephesians 4:11-13
11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.
Romans 12:3-8
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:
If prophecy,
use it according to the standard of one’s faith;
7 if service, in service;
if teaching, in teaching;
8 if exhorting, in exhortation;
giving, with generosity;
leading, with diligence;
showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
God has given the people of His church a measure of faith. As one grows in learning about Jesus Christ, their faith also grows. In order for a church to experience growth, their must be a concerted faith and trust in God and His Word. Everyone who trusts Jesus Christ as Savior has a gift to share within the body of Christ. The gifts are provided to serve to the body and to others.
The church has no distinctions. There is no class of people. Everyone is the same under Jesus Christ. He is the One who exalts the people who serve Him.
1. We are all brothers and sisters.
2. We are all servants.
3. We are all priests.
Matthew 23:8-11
8 “But as for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi,’ because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called masters either, because you have one Master, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant.
Matthew 20:21-27
21 “What do you want?” He asked her.
“Promise,” she said to Him, “that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and the other on Your left, in Your kingdom.”
22 But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”
“We are able,” they said to Him.
23 He told them, “You will indeed drink My cup. But to sit at My right and left is not Mine to give; instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” 24 When the 10 disciples heard this, they became indignant with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people for His possession,
so that you may proclaim the praises
of the One who called you out of darkness
into His marvelous light.
A priest recognizes God and serves Him while ministering to God’s people.
1 Corinthians 12:7
A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial.
1 Peter 4:10
Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.
The work of the church is set forth by Jesus.
Jesus came to earth to serve and set the example.
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life —a ransom for many.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.
1 Timothy 1:16
But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
1 Peter 2:21
For you were called to this,
because Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example,
so that you should follow in His steps.
No one in the church is too great to perform the least of work.
John 13:12-15
12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined[a] again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.
The purpose of the church is to go and make disciples of all people.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Akron Alliance Fellowship 