Jesus died for his church, the bride of Christ. (Ephesians 5:25-33) Man throughout history has corrupted the church that Christ died for through denominationalism, by adding man-made laws to the scriptures, and by following creeds other than the Holy Bible.
It is possible today, to be obedient to the will of Christ. Christians can resolve to restore the church to being the church of the New Testament. (Acts 2:41-47)
Some Things You Should Know
You should know that in Bible times, the church is called:
* The temple of God I Cor 3:16 * The bride of Christ Eph 5:22-32 * The body of Christ Col 1:18,24; Eph 1:22-23 * The kingdom of God's son Col 1:13 * The house of God I Tim 3:15 * The church of God I Cor 1:2 * The church of the first-born Heb 12:23 * The church of the Lord Acts 20:28 * The churches of Christ Rom 16:16
You should know that the church is:
* Built by Jesus Christ Matt 16:13-18 * Purchased by the blood of Christ Acts 20:28 * Built on Jesus Christ as the only foundation I Cor 3:11 * Not built on Peter, Paul, or any other man I Cor 1:12-13 * Composed of the saved, who are added to it by the Lord who saves them. Acts 2:47
You should know that members of the church are called:
* Members of Christ I Cor 12:27 ,6:15, Rom 12:4-5 * Disciples of Christ Acts 6:1,7; 11:26 * Believers Acts 5:14; II Cor 6:15 * Saints Acts 9:13; Rom 1:7; Phil 1:1 * Priests I Peter 2:5,9; Rev 1:6 * Children of God Gal 3:26-27; I John 3:1-2 * Christians Acts 11:26; 26:28; I Peter 4:16
You should know that the local church has:
* Elders (also called bishops and pastors) who oversee and tend the flock I Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4 * Deacons, who serve the church I Tim 3:8-13 Phil 1:1 * Evangelists (preachers, ministers) who teach and proclaim the word of God Eph 4:11; I Tim 4:13-16; II Tim 4:1-5 * Members, who love the Lord and each other Phil 2:1-5 * Autonomy, and is bound to other local churches only by the common faith shared Jude 3 Gal 5:1
You should know that the Lord Jesus Christ:
* Loved the church Eph 5:25 * Shed his blood for the church Acts 20:28 * Established the church Matt 16:18 * Added saved people to the church Acts 2:47 * Is the head of the church Eph 1:22-23; 5:23 * Will save the church Acts 2:47; Eph 5:23
