Counsel #2 — The Purpose Of Church

Picture: Counsel #2 — The Purpose Of ChurchCSe 81.1

The church is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24). It is made up of people who are called out from the world^{[81]https://www.spiritbaptism.org/articles/155-god-s-purpose-for-the-church.html} for the purpose of worship, fellowship and encouragement, service, and sharing biblical truth. The church is to be a house of prayer for all people (Isaiah 56:7). The members of the church are God’s family; adopted by Him as children.CSe 81.2

Throughout the centuries of persecution, conflict, martyrdom and moral darkness, God has sustained His church. It is God’s fortress for His people, His city of refuge, which He protects in a world of rebellion. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who bought our right to eternal life with His own blood (see The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11).CSe 81.3

“He [Christ] is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18 NKVCSe 81.4

“The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world.” Ellen White in The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9CSe 81.5

Reflect: Does the church you are attending, or considering, prioritize worshiping Jesus, fellowship, encouragement, service, and sharing biblical truth?CSe 81.6