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What does the Bible say about purpose of the church?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that the church is Christ's redeemed people, called to worship God, grow in his Word, love one another, and make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the church its mission to proclaim the gospel, baptize believers, and teach obedience to him. Acts 2:42 and Colossians 3:16 show the church devoted to Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and mutual instruction. As God's household and holy people, believers display his grace and wisdom to the world (Ephesians 2:19-22; 3:10; 1 Peter 2:9-10). The church also strengthens, encourages, and cares for its members, including through prayer in suffering (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:25; James 5:14).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 28:19-20

    [19] Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

  • 1 Peter 2:9-10

    [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: [10] who in time past were no people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  • Ephesians 2:19-22

    [19] So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, [20] being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; [21] in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [22] in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

  • Hebrews 10:25

    not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.

  • Acts 2:42

    They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

  • Ephesians 3:10

    to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,

  • James 5:14

    Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord,

  • Matthew 16:18

    I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

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