THE CHURCH

THE CHURCH

We have heard the word, we have seen it and we are part of it. Many people say the church started from Antioch, some say it started with the disciples but this write-up will open your eyes to a new truth.

The word "Church" was first mentioned in the new testament by Jesus in Matthew 16:18 "...i will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Jesus brought about the idea of the Church, Jesus instituted the Church and Jesus forms the part of the Church. This might be strange to you. But thank God you are seeing it now. Jesus is the head of the Church, the Church forms the body of Christ. This means there is no church without Jesus. (Ephesians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27)

Jesus, in Matthew 16:18-19 was already trying to prepare the heart of the disciples for fellowship (meeting together as brethren). He assured them that everything they say in agreement is recognized in heaven and that He is with them (Matthew 18:18-20)

Jesus was the one who told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (that was the fellowship - the church).

In the meeting of people, comes disagreements and offenses. This is absolutely true! Even Jesus was aware of that and that's why he taught his disciples forgiveness for one another. (Matthew 18:15-17). Offenses are not to make us go out of the Church but to make us forgive and build a better church. Please don't run away from your church because of an offense rather, ensure you sort it out, that is what Jesus expects from you.

This is to encourage us that Jesus recognizes our fellowship with one another and whenever we do this, we also fellowship with Him. (Matthew 18:20, 1 John 1:3)

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

1 John 1:3 "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ."

Welcome to the platform of fellowship...