12. Conclusion

Before Christ died and resurrected, he promised to build his church (Matt 16:18). The church is the followers of Christ. It includes Jews and Gentiles who have repented of their sins and put their faith in Christ, as Lord and Savior. It is local, regional, and universal. It is visible, including true followers and false ones, and invisible, including the redeemed in heaven and on earth. It is both an organism, as the body of Christ who does his work on earth, and an organization, including leadership, such as elders and deacons. The church is also missional in that it is called to worship God, equip believers, and minister to unbelievers by seeking their eternal good. May God continue to empower his church to be his hands and feet to the glory of his name!

Copyright © 2020 Gregory Brown