The Church The church of Jesus Christ is the body of called-out believers, those who have been baptized into Christ by water and Spirit. The Bible describes the church as the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, and a spiritual temple in which the Spirit of Christ dwells. The church is both local and universal. Its mission on earth is to (1) worship and glorify God, (2) evangelize the world, and (3) develop the saints to maturity. Each believer is his own priest to God (through Jesus) and can communicate with God directly (Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 1:6). Each member of the church has a position of service, which includes bearing one another's burdens and praying for one another (Galatians 6:1-2; Colossians 4:3, 12). To train and equip believers for the task of the church, God has given it special ministers (Ephesians 4:11-16). (I) Apostle-one sent with a commission. Although no one can take the place of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, who were eyewitnesses of Christ, others exercise an apostolic ministry by serving as pioneer missionaries and leaders (Acts 13:2-4; 14:14). (2) Prophet-one who imparts special messages or direction from God (Acts 11:27; 15:32; 21:10). (3) Evangelist-preacher to the unsaved (Acts 21:8; 11 Timothy 4:5). (4). Pastor (shepherd)- one who leads and takes care of God's people, also called bishop (overseer) and elder (Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4). (5) Teacher-one who instructs in God's Word (Acts 13:1). There is also the office of deacon (servant). Deacons assist spiritual leadership in church activities and business matters (Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). God has ordained church government, and He gives various ministries, roles, tasks, or offices in addition to those just mentioned (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28). Everyone should be submissive to spiritual leaders and obey them as long as they are consistent with Scripture (I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17). At the same time, leaders are to be servants and examples, not dictators (Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:3). The church also has gifts of the Spirit, which will remain until Christ's return (I Corinthians 1:2, 7; 12:8-10). These gifts should never be exercised contrary to the Bible or godly leadership, but always with love, in order, and for edification of the body. The spiritual gifts are miraculous and supernatural. They can be classified as follows. Gifts of revelation. (1) Word of wisdom- divine guidance, direction, or insight for a specific situation (Acts 27:9-11). (2) Word of knowledge-divine revelation of a fact other- wise unknown to the recipient (Acts 5:1-11). (3) Discerning of spirits-perceiving whether something is motivated by God, an evil spirit, or the human spirit (Acts 16:16-18). Gifts of power. (4) Faith-a special endowment of trust in God for a particular crisis or a seemingly hopeless situation (Acts 27:21-25). (5) Gifts of healing-divine healings, either instantaneous or progressive, for various types of physical and mental diseases (Acts 5:12-16). Christ purchased healing for the body (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17) and gave believers authority to lay hands on the sick for their recovery (Mark 16:17-18). The elders are to anoint the sick with oil and pray for healing in Jesus' name (James 5:13-16). (6) Working of miracles- direct intervention by God in a situation, transcending natural laws (Acts 20:7-12; 28:1-6). Gifts of utterance. (7) Prophecy-a message from God in the known language (I Corinthians 14:3-4, 29-33). In a more general sense, every anointed testimony, preaching, or praise can be called prophecy (Revelation 19:10). (8) Kinds of tongues-a message from God in a language not known to the audience, to be interpreted for the benefit of the church (I Corinthians 14:5, 27-28). Each believer may also speak in tongues without interpretation for personal devotion and benefit (I Corinthians 14:4, 14-15, 18, 28). (9) Interpretation of tongues--giving the meaning of a public message in tongues (I Corinthians 14:5, 27-28). Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's Supper and footwashing in His church, commanding observance of both (Luke 22:14-20; John 13:2-17; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-34). The Lord's Supper consists of eating unleavened bread and drinking the fruit of the vine, which symbolize Christ's broken body and shed blood. The church is to partake with reverence, self-examination, and repentance, solemnly remembering the Lord's atoning death and joyously anticipating His return. The saints thereby enjoy communion with Him and fellowship with one another. Footwashing teaches humility, service, and fellowship. The local church should meet regularly and often. It is not required to observe Sabbath laws, for the church is not bound by the ceremonial law (Acts 15:19-29; Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 4:9-1 1; Colossians 2:16-17). Christians enjoy spiritual sanctification and rest every day in the Holy Spirit. Setting aside a weekly day of rest and designating times for group worship, fellowship, and instruction are still valid principles, however. The early church met on Sunday in commemoration of the Lord's resurrection (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). Every Christian should be faithful to the meetings of his local church (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25).