The New Testament Church

By Revd Dr. Idowu Ibitoye

The word “church” is derived from the Greek word “ekklesia” which simply means “The call out”. It refers to believers that had been called out of the world, assembling with other saints and chosen ones. The word “ekklesia”, it mostly designates a local congregation of Christians and never a building. The church is simply the assembly /gathering together of the called out saints those that have been called out of the world, who gather to serve and worship God. In building a great church it is the responsibility of church leadership and members in actualising this.

When Jesus Christ came he gathered the 12 disciples and instructed them on the model He wanted His church to be. No wonder, He declared “upon this confession I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it”. Matt. 16:18.The church is made up of those who have had their sins forgiven because Christ had shed His blood at Calvary (Rev. 1:5; 7:14). Each local gathering of believers is called and known as a church (Matt. 18:20). The church is described as: God’s workmanship, (Eph. 2:10); Citizen of God’s kingdom, (Eph. 2:19); Members of God’s Household. (Eph. 2:19); (1 Tim.3:15); Temple of God (Eph. 2:20-22); Bride of Christ (Eph. 5:25-320); Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15) and it is also known as a Family (Eph. 2:19).

The New Testament church has manifold responsibilities and tasks which every member must participate in it. These include:

1. The New Testament church is to love God (Rev. 2:4), her love for Christ must never be divided or shaken, it must be absolute love for Christ.
2. The New Testament church must glorify God always, (Eph. 1:5,6,11,12,14. II Thess. 1:12). Glorifying God can be done through giving, (Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:16). Through her preaching and ministry in various forms, (I Pet. 4:11).
3. She is to evangelize the world (Matt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15). The gospel of Christ must be preached in all nooks and crannies of the world. The local assembly must engages in soul winning into the kingdom.
4. The New Testament church has the responsibility of instructing believers. (Matt. 28:19; 1Tim. 4:6). The church teaches her members in the way of the Lord.
5. She is to edify believers. (I Cor.14:26; Eph. 4:11; II Pet. 3:18).
6. She is to discipline wayward members, (Matt. 18:17; Rom. 16:17). The aim is to restore the individual and not to destroy him/her. However in our contemporary church, members are not ready to receive discipline, once a member is pronounced to be under discipline, such will quickly change to another church where he/she can be made a pastor, elder, deacon, or become a founder of another church. May God deliver His church!
7. The New Testament church is to provide fellowship for believers, (Acts. 2:42; I Cor. 1:9).
8. The church is to care for its own in times of need, (II Cor.8,9; I Tim. 5:1-6; Jam. 1:27). The church must never neglect the needy among hers, such as: widows, orphans, the vulnerable, etc.

Traits of the New Testament Church

1. A New Testament church is where the word of God is gladly received, (Acts. 2:47).
2. The New Testament church is where the word of God is practiced.
3. The New Testament church is where there is true fellowship. (Acts 2: 42,44).
4. New Testament church is a praying church.
5. New Testament church is where there is the fear of God. (Acts.2: 43.
6. New Testament church is a going church, the church that engages actively in evangelism and mission.
7. New Testament church is home of signs and wonders through the leaders. Verse 43.
8. New Testament church is where the welfare of needy is paramount. Verse 45.
9. New Testament church is a united church. Verse 46.
10. The church that enjoys divine favour always, (Acts2: 47).
11. New Testament church always experience spiritual and numerical increase.
12. It is a heavenly focused church. (Acts. 7:54-55). The major purpose of the church is to prepare the saints for Christ’s return.
13. She is to serve as a restraining and enlightening force in this present world Mt. 5:13-16; II Thess. 2:6,7.
14. The church must constantly be the shining light in this darken and perverse world.

Conclusion

A New Testament church is where all members are active and daily pursue Christ likeness. Bitterness, envy, quarreling is never found in the New Testament church, where the goal of individuals is to make heaven. Somebody said “our goal is to get to heaven”. People have different goals in the church. The New Testament church must prepare believers for Christ second coming. The New Testament church is a glorious church where Christ reigns and rule in the affairs of men.