The Doctrine of CHURCH

 What is a church?

 A church is a local place with people (members) who are saved, baptized and continue in the work of the Lord (The Great Commission). The Great Commission is to tell others about Jesus, His death, His burial and His resurrection.

 Matthew 28:16 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 There is no great big church somewhere in the middle of the world. For example the Catholic Church is not an independent body. It answers to the pope who is in Rome. Bible Believing, independent churches are found all over the world. The only One these churches respond to is God. He is the Head of the church.  Ephesians 5:23

 Ephesians 5:23 “…even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”

 We learn about the first time Jesus calls out men to follow Him and do the Great Commission in Matthew 4:18-22. These men were out working as fishermen and they decided to follow Jesus to become “Fisher’s of men” instead. All 4 of these men had the requirements needed to become members of a church. They were saved and baptized. Jesus is the first One to start His church and he has been calling people ever since to continue His work.

 Why do we have a church?

Jesus instructed His churches to go out into the world and tell people about Him and to follow Him.

 Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefor, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

GO – The church sends out missionaries into the world

TEACH – When the churches send out a missionary he/she is to go with the proper message of the Gospel of Jesus.

BAPTIZE – The church is responsible for baptizing those that are saved. This is your first step of obedience after you are saved.

TEACH – The Bible teaches us all of our doctrines we need to know and we are to follow them.