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Ministering in the church constitutes the highest
privilege. Nothing could be more honorable or have greater eternal
significance than serving our Christ in His church. This privilege is also
the most serious responsibility a person can undertake. Fulfilling this
privilege and discharging this responsibility demands a comprehension of the
church and its ministries that is correct according to God�s Word. In order
to grasp the issues of the church and establish that understanding as a
foundation for ministry, we need to understand a few basic truths:
1. The church is
the only institution that our Lord promised to build and to bless (Matt.
16:18).
2. The church is the
gathering place of true worshipers (Phil. 3:3).
3. The church is the
most precious assembly on earth since Christ purchased it with His own blood
(Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 5:25; Col. 1:20; 1 Pet. 1:18; Rev. 1:5).
4. The church is the
earthly expression of the heavenly reality (Matt. 6:10; 18:18).
5. The church will
ultimately triumph both universally and locally (Matt. 16:18; Phil. 1:6).
6. The church is the
realm of spiritual fellowship (Heb. 10:22�25; 1 John 1:3, 6�7).
7. The church is the
proclaimer and protector of divine truth (1 Tim. 3:15; Titus 2:1, 15).
8. The church is the
chief place for spiritual edification and growth (Acts 20:32; Eph. 4:11�16;
2 Tim. 3:16�17; 1 Pet. 2:1�2; 2 Pet. 3:18).
9. The church is the
launching pad for world evangelization (Mark 16:15; Titus 2:11).
10. The church is the
environment where strong spiritual leadership develops and matures (2 Tim.
2:2).
MacArthur, J., F., Jr, Mayhue, R., &
Thomas, R., L. (1995). Rediscovering pastoral ministry : Shaping
contemporary ministry with biblical mandates (Electronic ed.).
Logos Library Systems (3). Dallas: Word Pub.
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