Why does the church exsist?
The church really exist to carry out two basic purposes--evangelism and edification "To make dicisples and to teach them".
The church exist in the world to act as an avenue through which God can deal with an unbelieving world. Jesus told his disciples, " Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" ( Acts 1:8).
The church exists as a local gathered community to serve as an avenue through which God can teach and edify His followers. ( See Ephesians 4:11-16). The Church is international in scope and mission, but it is localized in congreations and ministers who delight in serving the needs of individual people. The church in a community is therfore part of the worldwide endeavor to prolcaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a local congregation the church stands as a "flagship" to give direction and lend support to those who need and desire its services.
The impact of the church on people is often underestimated. Many people rely on the church only when they are in need of special services. Yet the church makes the community as a whole a better place to live because of the godly influence that is projected through the church body. "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (Proverbs 29:2).
The scriptures, speaking of the believers, state, "Ye are the salt of the earth.. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"(Matthew 5:13-16).
We are indeed on a mission to reach friends with whom we can share the beauty of the plan of salvation.
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Online sermon: Rev.Cletus A.Gandy
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