The Christian Church, sometimes called the Church of Christ or the Church of Jesus Christ, is a group of people who follow the teachings and example of Jesus. It is an international, worldwide religious movement that has existed since the time of Jesus.
Christians worship and pray together, read the Bible and teach it to their children, and share the sacraments (baptism, communion, Eucharist). They are also responsible for spreading the Good News about Jesus around the world.
There are many differences among Christian denominations in the ways they interpret the scriptures, but there are also core beliefs that unite them. For example, they all believe that there is one God who created the world and who has sent his son, Jesus, to die for humanity’s sins.
Baptism – This sacrament symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also represents new birth and a cleansing from sin. It is also the sign of acceptance into the Christian community.
Confession – Disciples of Christ confess their sins to one another in private and publicly, and they are expected to give others that same freedom. They also share in the sacrament of Holy Communion on special occasions.
Belief – The faith and trust that believers have in Jesus is what makes them Christians. They have been saved by his grace through the sacrifice he made on their behalf.
Prayer – They pray for one another, the world, and their own personal needs. They also ask God to show them his will and guide them in their lives.
Teaching – They teach the Bible and other relevant religious books. They also help their members learn and grow in their faith.
Evangelism – They help people discover the truth about Christianity. They also help those who have doubts about their beliefs and are seeking answers to their questions.
Missions – They serve those in need in their community and beyond. They work for peace and justice, and they seek to make the world a better place.
The Christian church has been in existence for nearly two thousand years and continues to flourish and grow in this modern age. It is a powerful witness to the world of God’s love and his plan for our future.
It is a safe place to find the truth, forgiveness and healing that only a loving God can provide. It is a community of believers that care for each other, share in fellowship and serve the poor.
In ecclesiology, the Christian church is the term used by various Christian denominations to describe the original institution established by Jesus and his followers. They believe that the New Testament is the primary source of church doctrine.
Early Christianity had some controversies that threatened its unity and were resolved only by the Reformation. The church also experienced a period of widespread persecution during the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages.
In the years that followed, the Christian church had a number of schisms, but it was generally able to maintain unity. This was due in part to the development of a strict disciplinary system that punished grave sins publicly, and to the influence of Greek philosophy on the Christian world.