● The Church is the “Body of Christ” in our world.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus established the church.  On the road to Caesarea Phillippi, following Simon Peter’s confession of faith “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”, Jesus proclaimed, “You are ‘petros’ (a rock) and on this rock I will build my church.”  From that time on, the disciples of Jesus Christ were identified as “the church.”  Following Christ’s resurrection and ascension into heaven, this assembly of believers who embodied His teachings and were committed to living out His will and purpose in their lives together have been identified as “the body of Christ.”

●  The Church has the mandate to carry out Christ’s commission.

Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he instructed His disciples, “Go therefore and teach all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit... and lo, I am with you, even to the end of the age.”  He went on to say, “You will be my witnesses; in Jerusalem, and in Judea, in Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”  Christ’s spirit lives in the unity of the church today. It is our duty and sacred obligation to fulfill Christ’s call and purpose.  The church continues to stand today as the instrument through which God will work to accomplish this mandate.  Individual believers can have the greatest impact in following the Lord’s command as we work together combining our varied skills, talents and gifts to further His Kingdom’s work.