We Believe: The Doctrine of the Church
Matthew 16:18 ESV
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Understanding the doctrine of the Church shapes our identity, mission, and our unity.
The Church is not optional in God’s plan—it is central.
…It is God’s chosen instrument to reveal His glory to the world.
The Church is Founded on Christ
Matthew 16:18 ESV
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.
Ephesians 2:19-20 ESV
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone
1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
The Church is the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
Romans 12:4–5 ESV
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
1 Corinthians 12;27 ESV
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
The Church is the Family of God
Ephesians 2:19 ESV
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
John 13:34–35 ESV
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35 ESV
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Church is the Mission of God
Matthew 28:19–20 ESV
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Acts 1:8 ESV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
John 20:21 ESV
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
The Church is the Bride of Christ
Ephesians 5:25–27 ESV
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 19:7 ESV
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
Reflection Questions:
Am I rooted in Christ and committed to His Church?
Am I functioning in my role as part of the Body?
Do I treat the Church like family?
Am I carrying the mission of Christ daily?
Am I living as part of His Bride, holy and ready for His return?
