What Should Be The Purpose Of That Building Called A Church?

Acts 2:42 can be the purpose statement for the church: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." According to this verse, the purpose of the church should be (a). teaching biblical doctrine, (b). providing a place of fellowship for believers, (c) observing the Lord's supper, and (d). praying.

The church is to teach biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 indicates to us, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), teach one another (Romans 15:11), and most important, love one another (1John 3:11).

The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord's Supper, remembering Christ's death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of "breaking bread" (Acts 2:42) carries the concept of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Act 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that encourages prayer, teaching prayer, and really practices prayer. Philippians 4: 6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"

Paul gave an excellent illustration to the believers in Corinth. The church is God's hands, mouth, and feet in this world (1Corinthians 12:12-27). We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on this earth today.

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