The beginning of the church was in Gods plan from the very beginning. We can prove this through many Old Testament prophesies. John the Baptist first began the preparation of the church. He began by calling people together to prepare for the coming of the messiah. Through divine inspiration he immersed people in water, baptizing them. Next came Christ who laid the foundation for the church.

The story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth is the greatest story ever told. Jesus' apostles were baptized for several purposes. They were baptized with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of inspiration, confirmation, and impartation. Also Peter preached a sermon and showed five reasons why Jesus was the Christ. First Peter showed the evidence of the miracles of Jesus. Second, h

For the remaining part of the New Testament the church is the central focus of writing. The church is a special and sacred place, and the inspired writers also referred to the church with a sort of reverence. The New Testament church was given three designations that relate the function of the church as a body. The first is what Christ established is simply referred to as "the church." This phrase means "an assembly of people who have become followers of the Lord." The church secondly, is referred to as "the body of Christ." This saying illustrates to us the function, intended actions, and unity of the church that God expects from us as a body of believers. Thirdly the church is referred to as "the kingdom of God." This means that the church is under Gods rule, and his rule only.

Jesus Christ is head of the church in many ways. He is leader of the church in authority, example, and in love. Christ as the perfect and pure sacrifice for our sins is the perfect example and shows us the greatest love. Christ leads us with his compelling love and motivates us in three directions. It constrains us to love him, to love each other, and to do his will.

In Acts 2 the image of Christ's church is set before us. The church has three characteristics. First, is the church's steadfast and unwavering commitment to the apostle's doctrine, or teaching. We see this by the early churches fellowship together in worship, service, and giving. Also the church honored Christ's leadership by a commitment to his word, which had been given to them through the apostles. The second characteristic of the church is their unselfish compassion for each other. The early church's honest following to the truth produced in them a compassionate love for one another. The third characteristic of the church is unity. The church is not an artificial body of people, but rather a group of people bonded together by the Holy Spirit. The members of the church had an oneness of mind, and are also pictured as a close family with one heart and one life.

Unity in Christ is a very important part of Christian living. As members of the church we are called to live as one people under one God. The first type of unity is mentioned in the New Testament is organic in nature. A true member of the body pf

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