the church is...

Introduction

4 purposes ministries fruits

4 purposes of the church

The Church is common ground for sinners and saints.

what is the church?

The phrase “the church is” is not a claim that any person can make lightly. I am confident in the claim that the

“church is common ground for sinners and saints.”

It is mentioned numerous times that the church is the body of Christ. Such as in

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:22–23)

if the church is the body and Christ the head then the Church must be for whatever purpose Christ is for.

“And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Eph 1:22–23)

We are all sinners and Christ died for us thus since the Church is the body of Christ we must welcome sinners in. Such as

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Ro 5:8)

The church is also for the saints as stated by Paul

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours” (1 Co 1:2)

Saints are all Christians

“to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ro 1:7)

Where people develop a relationship with God.

Church is where people develop a relationship with God. Since Christ is the head of the Church those who want to know God need to be a part of the Church.

“not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb 10:25)

Where people learn to use their spiritual gifts

Church is where people learn to use their spiritual gifts. All Christians have spiritual gifts that they receive from the holy spirit. They are meant to be used in the service of God and the church. They are a sign of your relationship with God. The use of spiritual gifts is a sign of your salvation, not a means. Your good works come in seasons.

Where leaders are cultivated

Church is where leaders are cultivated. Leaders are people with the spiritual gift of leadership or who have been called by God to serve the church beyond what is normal for believers. They must be trained, valued, and given opportunities to serve.

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11–12)

A place where people find rest in God

The Church is a place where people find rest in God. We are all meant to find rest in God. The Church should serve as a reminder of God’s love for us. It should be a place of peace. The Sunday church service serves as the sabbath of most Christians and is meant to be a blessing.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mt 11:28–30)

The church and ministries

How Spiritual Gifts Fit Into The Church

Spiritual gifts apply to ministries and ministries seek to have effects. There are a variety of spiritual gifts, ministries, and effects see 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. From this I conclude that a spiritual gift is neither a ministry or an effect. So things like administration, and evangelism are not spiritual gifts.

Church vs gifts vs ministries vs effects

Spiritual Gifts Mentioned in the Bible

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 (NASB95): Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.

2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.

3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.

6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)

Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9)

Miracles (or Make things happen? 1 Corinthians 12:10)

Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10, Romans 12:6)

Discerning of Spirits (or Judging 1 Corinthians 12:10)

Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)

Interpretation of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)

Service (Romans 12:7)

Teaching (Romans 12:7)

Exhortation (Romans 12:8)

Giving (Romans 12:8)

Leadership (or Administration Romans 12:8, 1 Corinthians 12:28)

Mercy (Romans 12:8)

Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Fruits of the spirit

In season and rest sabbath