1. Jesus Builds the Church – Matthew 16:18 – And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Jesus, and only Jesus, builds the true church. If we build and grow congregations based on the charismatic personality in the pulpit, new and innovative methods, programs, or any other things, we end up with something far inferior to what Jesus would build.
2. Jesus Owns the Church – Act 20:28 – Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Notice in the above the owner of the church. He didn’t say I will build your church. He said MY church. He owns it. He bought it and paid for it with His own blood.
Many congregations are at odds with each other, fighting within, without fellowship or natural affections. They are in this shape, not because Jesus did a poor job, but because we thought we could do it better.
3. The Church is a Living Thing, Not a Place, and Healthy Living Things Grow – Ephesians 4:15-16 – “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
- Jesus describes the church as a body, not a building. This organic metaphor implies growth, health, and interconnectedness. Just as a body grows when properly nourished, the church should expand in faith, love, and numbers when it adheres to Christ’s teachings. Growth in the church is not just numerical but also spiritual, where each member contributes to the health and vitality of the whole.
4. The Church is to be a Light in the World – Matthew 5:14-16 – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
- Jesus calls His followers to be a beacon of moral and spiritual light. The church, therefore, should reflect Christ’s light through its actions, love, and witness. This visibility is not for self-glorification but to draw others to God, showcasing His love and truth in a world often shrouded in darkness.
5. The Church is Called to Unity and Love – John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
- Unity and love are the hallmarks of Christ’s church. This love is not merely a feeling but an active, sacrificial commitment to one another, mirroring Jesus’ love for us. This unity in love is not only a command but also a testament to the world of the authenticity of Christ’s teachings within the church.
The church, as established by Jesus, is not merely an institution but a dynamic, living entity characterized by growth, light, love, and unity, all centered around His leadership and ownership.