The Church

The word church is often used to describe a place of worship, but in truth, it refers primarily to the body of Christ, His bride, which is composed of the followers of Jesus. The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth, upholding the authority of God’s word in a world that is increasingly rejecting it.

The early church was a model of unity and power. The apostles preached Jesus Christ as Saviour with boldness, and signs and miracles followed their message. The sick were healed, the dead were raised, demons were cast out of people, women and men believed and were baptised, and even the shadows and handkerchiefs of the apostles carried power to heal. They lived lives worthy of the gospel by being of one mind, caring for each other and striving for the faith. 

The early church faced fierce persecution with resolve. They did not retreat or give up on their faith in the face of persecutions. After Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 8:1), they were left Jerusalem in fear of their lives, but they took the gospel message wherever they went. They rejoiced in suffering for their Lord, and remained steadfast. Saul, was one of their greatest persecutors, but when he encountered Jesus, he became Paul, the apostle, and endured the same persecution he once inflicted, but he did not deny his Lord.

Today, the church continues with the Great Commission. God has distributed gifts among His people to equip and build His body. Some are called as apostles, to plant churches; some as prophets, to foretell the future; some as evangelists, to proclaim the gospel; some as teachers to teach us the word of God, and some as pastors to shepherd God’s people. In 1 Corinthians 12:8–11, we also see the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues and interpretation, administration and helps, given for the strengthening of the church. These gifts are for the edification of the church. Wherever God places us, be it our family, job, community, nation or anywhere else, we are to be impactful and influential for His kingdom.

The church today also faces resistance from secular ideologies and persecution in various nations. Yet Jesus declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Our confidence to continue being the church with resolve, despite the persecutions, is in His promise.

Sadly, the church today also faces internal disunity and divisions among her several denominations. Yet Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.” Our unity and love for one another is not optional; it is essential. It is how the world will know that we belong to Jesus. We must therefore love and care for one another, and strive for our faith. We must be rooted in the word of God, and stand firmly on its authority to overcome the devil’s schemes and establish the will of God and His kingdom on earth. 

Our nations are in desperate need of hope, and it is the church’s duty to bring the message of hope, which is salvation in Jesus Christ alone, to them. More effective is that we live as witnesses for Jesus, thereby drawing others to Him. Whatever our calling, we must work at it knowing that we do not do it alone. God is with us, and the Holy Spirit will empower us to finish well. Jesus said we would do greater works than He did. Let us take Him at His word.

Above all, we must remember that Jesus Christ is returning for His bride, the church. Let us be found faithful, walking in righteousness, and ready for His return.