We believe the church is the body of Christ on earth, working toward fulfilling its calling to prepare humanity for Christ's return and entry into the kingdom of heaven. Understanding when and how the church was built helps us better fulfill that calling. This series, The Church Jesus Built, examines the early church's life and origin as described in the Book of Acts.
For believers new and old, Christians who actively work toward spiritual growth will devote themselves to the same practices learned from the earliest congregations. We must give attention to Scripture, the basis of our doctrines and tenets of faith. Through these, God has made his character and desires known to us. We must set aside time for fellowship with other believers. This challenges us to grow and helps us see the trials and triumphs of others who share our goals and values. We must observe the sacraments (ordinances) and corporate worship. This allows us to focus our hearts and minds on our connection to the Christian faith in a tangible way. Finally, we must focus on our individual connection to the Holy Spirit by setting aside time for individual prayer and worship. This teaches us to hear God’s voice and to unburden our hearts in times of difficulty. It also allows us to express our hearts to God directly through worship and fellowship.