Introduction

The church consists of redeemed people, who are washed and redeemed by the blood of Jesus the Lamb of God. These believers are renewed in their mind by the word of God and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. He is the foundation of the church. Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for her. God is nowadays gathering the church from Jews and Gentiles for His Name. These are the chosen people of God.

I. Definition of the Church:

The church consists of born again believers from the day of Pentecost to the day of Rapture, the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Greek word for Church is “ Ecclesia” meaning “to call out from”. The born again believers are called out from the world system to be in the LORD Jesus. The Apostle Peter describes God’s people in four different titles:

• A chosen generation,
• A Royal Priesthood,
• A Holy Nation, and
• God’s own special people

1 Peter 2:9–10 :”9 But ye areca chosen generation, da royal priesthood, ean holy nation, ||fa peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the ||gpraises of hhim who hath called you iout of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 kWhich in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy”.

These believers are called to be saints. The word church also refers to a local group of believers in Jesus. There were house churches in the First century. There is also the universal church of God. The church is the church of God. “ Jesus said: ...upon this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt.16:18).

The Church of Jesus is built upon the Rock. The foundation is Jesus the Son of God. Upon this Rock Foundation, the Superstructure called the church is being built together as the temple of God. The Apostle Paul reveals a great revelation about the church in 1. Corinthians 3:16,17:

“1 Corinthians 3:16–17 :Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. “

The foundation is invisible; but, the superstructure is visible. Apostle Paul is saying that the church is the temple of God. The Holy Spirit dwells in the people of God.

II. The Foundation of the Church:

Jesus is the Rock. Peter is a Stone, hewn from that Rock Jesus Christ. The church is built on the Rock Jesus and not on the living stone Peter.

According to church history, the church was founded by Jesus on the Day of Pentecost, when the Spirit of the Living God descended on the 120 believers on the upper room in Jerusalem. On the day of Pentecost, about 3000 souls received God’s word through the Preacher Apostle Peter. They were water baptized according to the Lord’s command.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. And the Lord added to the church those who were being saved. Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.

Apostle Paul said: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay that which is laid, which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”( 1.Corinthians 3:10-11).

The Bible says: Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold I lay in zion A Chief Cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame”(Isaiah 28:18= 1. Peter 2:6).

Jesus is the precious Cornerstone. He is the sure foundation. Believe on this precious living stone Jesus. You and your household shall be blessed with Salvation.

III. Conditions of Membership in the Church:

The following are the spiritual conditions to become the members in the church:

1. Repentance, Acts 2:38
2. Faith in Jesus, Matt.16:16
3. Salvation, New Birth, Acts 16:31; John 3:16
4. Baptism, Matt.28:19
5. Anointing of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38

Repentance means change of mind. Turning from idol worship to the living God, who is the Creator and owner of the Heavens, the Earth and the Oceans. Repentance means turning from the wrong way into the right ways. Turning from the sinful life to the Holy life.

Faith in God is having the God kind of faith. Believing and accepting that Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the World knowing and believing Jesus is Lord.

New Birth is obtaining the nature of God. God’s nature is divine nature. Believing Jesus is the Son of God leads to salvation.

Baptism is immersion under the water and coming out of the water. This represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Having good conscience because of believing Jesus is alive. Believers in Jesus should be baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

When you repent and baptized, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is anointing and receiving power to be witnesses for Jesus our Lord. When the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will receive dunamis power.

IV. Biblical Symbols of the Church:

The following are few of the symbols of the church: 1.Body, 2. A Temple, 3.bride.

Jesus is the Head of the body and we are members of His Body. From the head, the body receives nourishment, and increase of God. A temple is a spiritual building. It is a dwelling place for God’s Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone and we are the lively stones being built together as a spiritual house. Jesus is the bridegroom. We are the Bride. The wedding will take place. It is called the Marriage of the Lamb. ( Colossians 1:18; 1.Corinthians 3:16 and Revelation 19;7).

V. The Ordinances of the Church:

The Holy Bible teaches only two ordinances of the church: 1. Baptism, Matt.28:19-20; 2. The Lord’s Supper, Acts 2:42-46; 1. Corinthians 11: 20-34.

Baptism means immersion in the water. Baptism is good conscience towards God believing in the resurrection of Jesus. He that believes Jesus is Lord and is baptized shall be saved.

The Lord’s supper is drinking the grape juice and eating bread together with all born again believers which is the symbol of our Lord Jesus Christ Body and the precious blood . The Lord’s supper is Instituted.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins”Matt.26:26-28

VI. The Mission of the Church:

The purposes of the church of God are

1. To worship God and to glorify His Name on this Planet earth, Eph. 1:4-6.
2. To evangelise the people of the entire world with the good news of Jesus Christ, Mark 16:15; Eph. 3:8.
3. To teach and instruct the Christian believers for the perfecting of the saints, Eph.4:11-15.
4. To witness for the Lord. Acts 1:8.

VII. Unity in the Early Church:

Jesus in His High Priestly prayer prayed for the unity of the believers in the early church universal. John 17.

1. Unity because we worship our Holy Father,
2. Unity because we believers all belong the Son Jesus,
3. Unity because we all in dwelt by the Holy Spirit,
4. Unity because the Father and Son are united and we ought to be united,
5. Unity because we are sanctified by the word ,
6. Unity because it will cause unbelievers to believe,
7. Unity because we shall be together in Heaven.

Conclusion:

There are many denominations. There are many churches but one church. The desire of our Lord Jesus is that the church on the earth should be clean, glorious and holy. Ephesians 5:27 says:

“That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27.

The church should be a glorious church. Jesus is coming soon for the Holy Glorious Church. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

REV. C.PETER CHANDRAN, THE LIVING GOD MINISTRIES, #46/61,
First Floor, East Jones Road, Saidapet, Chennai-600015.Tamilnadu. India.
Prayerline: +91-9445113726/7305887363

Website: www.thelivinggodministries.org

Email: peterchandran1980@gmail.com

Our Fivefold Ministries:

1. Preaching God's Word,
2. Evangelism and Church Planting
3. Teaching God's word through seminars, Bible College,
4. Literature Ministry (Gospel Tracts Distribution and Bible New Tew Testament ),
5. Helping widows and Poor.

Become a Partner in Ministries through Prayer and your financial contribution. Be Blessed!

DONATE BY M.O./DD/CHEQUE OR MONEY TRANSFER(Financial Responsibility):

Account Name: C. PETER CHANDRAN ; A/C Number: 282201000007201
Branch: Kannathur- Reddykuppam.

You can also donate for God's work by Money Order or Demand Draft or Cheque in favor of "C.PETER CHANDRAN" and send it to our Office in Saidapet, Chennai.

PRAYERLINE: +91-9445113726/ 7305887363

• Send your Prayer Requests!
• We shall pray to God our Father with your prayer, in the Name of Jesus!
• Email: peterchandran1980@gmail.com
• website: www.thelivinggodministries.org

BIBLE SEMINAR: " DIVINE LIFE, HEALTH and PROSPERITY"
DATE: 15.09.2019 in Trichy City; 22.09.2019 in Chennai City
Financially sponsor the seminars and Pray and Participate in Seminar.

My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.