“THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH”
Part 2 of 5
The Bible says, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21). This is the second part in a series of five on The Importance of the Church. The church is important because therein is God glorified.
The church is important because of its Fulfillment.
In the first article, we stated that the church is important because of its Forecast. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Mt. 16:18). Build it He did. Continuing in scripture, after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ, the Bible says, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). When you read The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) the picture is drawn that that there is going to be a church, the kingdom of God (Mt. 16:13-12). The Old Testament said that there is going to be a kingdom (Dan. 2:44). What happened between the Old Testament, the gospels and Acts 2:47? The Day of Pentecost!
Acts chapter two is the fulfillment of the forecast that Jesus stated, “I will build my church” (Mt. 16:18). Notice the following from Isaiah chapter two written in about 750 A.D.:
- It would happen at a certain time “latter days.”
- It would be an institution “the mountain of Lord’s house.
- It would be built at a location “established on the top of the mountains.”
- It would be exalted above others “exalted above the hills.”
- It would involve all nations “all nations shall flow to it.”
All of the above was fulfilled in Acts 2. However, here are two specifics:
1. Isaiah 2:2 – “…that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”
Acts 2:1 – “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” The Apostles were in Jerusalem for the Pentecost (“The top of the mountain).
2. Isaiah 2:3 – “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
Acts 2:5 – “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.”
The church is important because of its forecast and because of its fulfillment.
