What is the Church?
Church” is the translation of the Greek term ekklesia and is used in the New Testament to identify the community of believers in Jesus Christ.
It literally means “assembly,” “congregation,” or “meeting.”
A similar term was used in the Old Testament referring to experiences such as “the day of the assembly,” “the Lord’s congregation,” or “meeting before the Lord.”
Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it
Acts 14:23
So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
If we mention church, then it is because of Jesus Christ.
We belong to a church because we believe in Jesus Christ, and we want to remain in Him, and so we associate with people who have the same belief.
The ideal is that everyone who attends church should be a Christian, believe in Jesus Christ, and have accepted Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior.
If anyone attends Grace Church, then the person believes that:
Our Church is established on Jesus Christ as the foundation
The people in it believe in Jesus Christ
Being in the church will increase their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE CHURCH?
Why are you in church?
1. The Bible commands us to do so because you are a part of Christ’s body
Romans 12:5
Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
2. To keep us from sin ; Hebrews 3:12-14
3. To encourage each other in the faith; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
4. To constantly receive the word of God; Colossians 3:16
5. To be sharpened and to sharpen others; Proverbs 27:17
6. To exercise your spiritual gifts; Romans 12:5-8
7. So that we can together fulfill the great commission; Matthew 28:19-20
What other things does the church offer?
- A safe and serene place to
a.Worship
b.Pray
c.Seek Help
- A place of comfort during trouble:
a)Death of a loved one
b)Sickness
c)Distress etc.
3. A place of celebration
a.Weddings
b.Naming ceremony
c.Baptism / Confirmation
d.Birthdays
e.Anniversaries
f.Thanksgiving
4. A conduit for giving to the world and supporting other
a.Donations to the less privileged
b.Supporting a worthy cause
5. Provides the opportunity to discover and enhance your talents and gifts
6. Provides Godly upbringing and education for our children
a.Children’s Ministry
b.Junior Youth
c.Grace Church Academy
d.Grace Afterschool Programme
e.Grace Child Development Center (Compassion)
f.Grace Remedial School
g. Young People’s Guild
- Provides platform for:
Jobs
Healthcare
Personal Development
8. Helps you uphold your faith and salvation
John 3:16
John 14:6
Acts 4:12
What are my roles in the church? – My Contribution
Attend Church Regularly
Be an ambassador of the Gospel
Help preserve and protect the sanctity of your church
Pray For the Church
Draw Others to Church
Contribute To the Benevolent Objects and works of The Church
Be an active member of the Church’s ministries
Join a group
Contribute to church growth
Be part of church activities
If you do not understand or unhappy about something, seek explanation
Remember
This church is for Jesus Christ
This church is our family
This church is our community
This church is for our edification
Seek Jesus Crist here, Hold onto Christ here, and contribute to the growth of the church.
God Bless You!!!!