What is the nature, formation, and function of the Church?
The Church is a spiritual organism, not a human organization, formed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Every believer is baptized by the Spirit into union with Christ at salvation, making them part of the Body of Christ regardless of local attendance. The Church's two-fold mission is evangelism and edification, accomplished through unique spiritual gifts given to every believer. While the Body includes all believers, the local church serves as the essential training ground for spiritual advance, service, and the application of God's Word, without which no believer can achieve designed spiritual greatness.
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Source: The Basics The Basics - The Church (p.72) · Read this lesson in the book →
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Related questions
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See also
- What are the seven things God is able to do?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–2: The Arena—The Souls of Men
- What are the five stages of suffering outlined in 1 Peter?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- Why is the spiritual war described as the good fight of faith?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–4: The Victory—Grace and Truth
- How do I redeem time?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–5: The Prospect—The Rapture
- What are the five categories of blessing in time and the four categories of reward in eternity?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 5–5: The Prospect—The Rapture
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