Truth #11 – The Church: Evidence of God’s Design in Action

When many think of church, they imagine traditional attire, solemn sermons, and rigid rituals. Yet, the Bible presents a radically different and far more dynamic vision. In the New Testament, the church is portrayed not as a building or a weekly event, but as a community of transformed believers—a family united in Christ. Early Christians gathered in homes, shared meals, and devoted their lives to one another. Their joy overflowed, and their relationships reflected the love and unity Jesus described.

For these early followers, church was not confined to a single day or location; it was the living, breathing body of Christ on earth. The church was a people—disciples of Jesus, bound together by their faith and their mission.

The Church’s Mission

The church is a small model of the kingdom of heaven. It functions as an outpost of God’s reign on earth, with Christ as its head. Within the church, leaders, often referred to as elders or shepherds, are called to guide with wisdom and gentleness, encouraging believers to live in alignment with God’s will. In the early church, these leaders included the apostles, who wrote much of the New Testament, offering correction, encouragement, and guidance to fledgling congregations.

The mission of the church is summarized in Jesus’ Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19a).

This mission involves more than sharing the message of Jesus; it requires sharing life in fellowship, as Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

The church is called to be a light in the darkness and salt in a flavorless world. It should radiate unity, love, and joy so powerfully that others are drawn to it. This contagious, transformative love drives the church to act as the hands and feet of Jesus, serving the world selflessly.

Churches fulfill this mission in many ways: feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, digging wells for the thirsty, providing clothing for those in need, and offering hope to the hopeless. These acts of compassion are not performed to expand religion, but as a natural outpouring of the love that burns in believers’ hearts. In doing so, the church becomes a living example of Jesus’ love and grace.

Historical evidence supports the endurance and impact of the church across 2,000 years of history. Despite intense persecution, cultural shifts, and political opposition, the church has continued to thrive and expand globally. Its contributions to education, healthcare, and human rights are unparalleled, shaping civilizations and fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18: “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Furthermore, the church’s growth in diverse cultures—without military or political force—testifies to its divine foundation rather than human invention.

A Call to Authenticity

Sadly, not all churches embody this vision. Some stray from their purpose, losing sight of the gospel and their mission to reflect Christ. The Bible addresses such churches, calling them to repentance: “Return to your first love” (Revelation 2:4).

When the church grows dim in its mission, the world suffers. True believers are called to inspire struggling churches to refocus on the core of the gospel and rekindle their passion for kingdom work.

The Bible also warns of false teachers—wolves in sheep’s clothing—who can infiltrate the church. Jesus cautioned His followers: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Remaining vigilant and grounded in Scripture is essential for preserving the church’s mission and integrity.

Conclusion

The church is not a building or a weekly event—it is the body of Christ, a community of believers united in faith, love, and purpose. Its mission is to make disciples, serve others, and reflect the kingdom of heaven on earth. While no church is perfect, the call remains clear: to shine as a light in the darkness, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.

The church, at its best, is a family of transformed lives working together to share the love of Christ. Its mission is not about religion, but about relationship—with God, with one another, and with the world it is called to serve.

The $1 Million Dollar Question:

Will you go to Heaven when you die? Here’s a quick test:
Q. Have you ever told a lie?
Q. Have you ever stolen anything?
Q. Have you ever used God’s name in vain?
Q. Have you ever lusted over someone?
Q. Have you ever hated someone?

If you have done these things, God sees you as a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, an adulterer-at-heart, and a murderer-at-heart. And this is only 5 of God’s Ten Commandments (a/k/a “God’s Law”). And the Bible warns that on the Day of Judgment, God will punish you in a terrible place called Hell. But, there is “good news”! God is not willing that any should perish. Sinners broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid their fine by shedding His sinless blood on a cross ~2,000 years ago. This means that God can legally dismiss their case (and yours!): “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Today, repent (turn away from your sins), put your complete trust in Jesus, and confess Jesus as your Lord & Savior… and God will give you eternal life as a free gift.

The $1 Million Dollar Myth:

Contrary to popular belief, being a “good person”, doing “good deeds”, or being “religious” will not get you a ticket to heaven! Many people are hoping God will dismiss their sins because their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. They further hope that because God is “good” he will let them go unpunished and enter heaven. However, because God is “good” he must by nature punish sinners (i.e., God would not be a good judge if he let criminals go free). The Bible states: “There is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) The Bible also states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) And finally, think about this, if your goodness could save you, Jesus would have died in vain (i.e., for no good reason). The Bible states: “I (Jesus) am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me. (John
14:6) Friends, please don’t “roll-the-dice” and gamble your eternal life on the life-threatening lie that being a “good person” will get you to heaven.

Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus:

Here is a prayer you can use to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior. It is a suggested prayer – the key is that you are speaking from your heart.
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me turn away from sin going forward. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus into my heart and I confess him as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for sending your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Congratulations! And welcome to God’s family!

Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus:

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