Church is more than a building; it’s a community of believers. The Bible describes the church as a place of fellowship, worship, and support, where people grow together in faith. Understanding the biblical view of the church helps us see its purpose and the importance of gathering with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Euphrates River Drying Up
What Does The Bible Say About Church
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ intention to establish His church, with the faith of Peter as the foundation. It emphasizes the eternal nature and strength of the church, assuring believers that even the forces of darkness cannot overcome it.
Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
This verse showcases the early believers’ commitment to the core practices of the church, including learning from the apostles, fellowship, communion, and prayer. It serves as a model for believers today to prioritize these essential aspects of church life.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
In this verse, husbands are called to love their wives selflessly, just as Christ loved the church and sacrificed Himself for it. It emphasizes the sacrificial and unconditional love that should be demonstrated within the context of marriage and reflects the relationship between Christ and the church.
1 Timothy 3:15
“…if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”
This verse describes the church as the household of God, tasked with upholding and proclaiming the truth. It highlights the importance of proper conduct within the church and recognizes its role in preserving and defending the truth of God’s Word.
Hebrews 10:25
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This verse urges believers to prioritize regular assembly, emphasizing the importance of gathering as a community of faith. It encourages mutual encouragement among believers and recognizes the increasing need for fellowship as we anticipate the return of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”
This verse elucidates the metaphor of the church as the body of Christ. It emphasizes the concept of unity and diversity within the church, with each member playing a vital role in functioning together, just as different body parts work harmoniously.
2 Corinthians 6:16
“What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
This verse depicts believers as the temple of the living God, highlighting the intimate relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes the need to separate from idolatry and live in a manner that reflects the presence of God within us.
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
This verse reinforces the imagery of Christ as the head and the church as His body. It acknowledges His preeminence and authority, highlighting the centrality of Christ in the life of the church.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This verse asserts the identity and purpose of believers within the church. It describes them as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, emphasizing their unique position as God’s people and their responsibility to declare His praises.
Acts 20:28
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
This verse stresses the importance of the shepherding role in the church. It highlights the responsibility of overseers to care for and protect the flock entrusted to them, emphasizing the value that God places on the church, purchased through the blood of Jesus.
Romans 12:5
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
This verse emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of believers within the church. It signifies that although we are diverse in our individual giftings and roles, we are all part of one body, bound together in our union with Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
This verse calls for unity within the church, urging believers to be of the same mind and judgment. It discourages division and emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony and agreement among believers.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
This verse encourages believers to actively engage in building one another up through encouragement. It emphasizes the role of uplifting and supporting fellow believers, fostering a sense of community and mutual edification within the church.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
This verse highlights the presence of Christ when believers gather together in His name. It underscores the significance of corporate worship and fellowship, assuring believers that even in small gatherings, Jesus is present in their midst.
Galatians 6:10
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
This verse implores believers to actively show kindness and do good to everyone, with a special emphasis on fellow believers. It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love within the household of faith, fostering a supportive and caring community.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
This verse highlights the need for believers to submit to and respect their church leaders. It acknowledges their responsibility to care for the spiritual well-being of the congregation and encourages a cooperative and joyful relationship between leaders and members.
1 Corinthians 14:26
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
This verse emphasizes the participation of every believer during corporate gatherings. It encourages the sharing of spiritual gifts and contributions that contribute to the edification of the church, emphasizing the importance of unity and growth.
Acts 4:32
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”
This verse depicts the early believers’ unity and selflessness. It highlights their willingness to share and support one another, showcasing the communal nature of the church and the power of genuine love and care among believers.
Romans 16:5
“Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.”
This verse refers to the practice of gathering as a church in homes. It exemplifies the flexibility and adaptability of the church, highlighting the early believers’ ability to meet wherever possible to worship and fellowship.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also, he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This verse introduces the practice of the Lord’s Supper or communion, emphasizing the significance of remembering Christ’s sacrifice. It highlights the central role of this ordinance within the church, serving as a continual proclamation of Jesus’ death and the anticipation of His return.
1 Timothy 5:17
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
This verse recognizes the importance of honoring and appreciating church elders, particularly those who faithfully fulfill the responsibilities of preaching and teaching. It encourages the congregation to value and support their leaders, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to ministry.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
This verse emphasizes the overarching principle of love in all aspects of the Christian life, including within the church. It encourages believers to approach relationships, service, and interactions with others with genuine love and compassion, reflecting the character of Christ.
Philippians 2:2
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
This verse exhorts believers to strive for unity and harmony within the church. It emphasizes having a shared love and purpose, encouraging a mindset of cooperation and agreement, which brings joy and helps to build a strong and effective community of faith.
Revelation 2:7
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
This verse is part of the messages to the churches in Revelation and emphasizes the need to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It encourages believers to overcome challenges and remain faithful to receive the promise of eternal life, symbolized by the tree of life in the paradise of God.