The Church is a building of which Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone or foundation, “an holy temple in the Lord,” “an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20f). It is the fellowship of saints of people of God (1 Peter 2:9). The Church is the bride of Jesus Christ, saved and sanctified by Him for union with Himself (Ephesians 5:25f). Indeed, it is the body of Jesus Christ, He being the head of the whole body, and Christians the members (1 Corinthians 12:12f).
As the body, it is the fullness of Christ, who Himself fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:23) With the ownership of the Church clearly understood, we who are members must see ourselves as functioning members of the body of Christ. Herein appears the relevance of the traditional marks of the Church.
- It is one (Ephesians 4:4), for Jesus Christ has only one temple, bride and body, and all divisions are overcome in death and resurrection with Him, and by endowment of His Spirit. In all its legitimate multiformity, the Church must seek a unity corresponding to its realty, “Many members but one body.”
- It is holy, for it is set apart and sanctified by Himself (Galatians 1:4). The Church is to attest to its consecration by the manner of its life and the nature of its service. Hear what the Word says: “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation: Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
- The Church is universal, constituted from among all people of all races, places and ages (Ephesians 2:14). Out of her diversity of membership and form, the Church is fully able to reach out to the “whosoevers” in every place and in every age (1940-2017). There is relevance and the Church can identify with local congregation and the Church universal.
At Friendship, we appreciate each congregation and see them as the Church in its own setting, and each a manifestation of the whole Church. This means that there is scope for great flexibility in organization and structure according to particular and varying needs. For seventy-six years, God has wrought a great work here at Friendship and He is not finished with us yet.
Be blessed as you walk in Him.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
