The Church–The Body of Christ
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 12/07/2025
Foundation Scriptures:
Matthew 16:13-18 KJV
1. I Will Build My Church.
a. …and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18).
b. Jesus declared that “upon this rock (of revelation) I will build My Church.”
c. The revelation is “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
d. The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
e. This Church is not manmade—it is the creation of Jesus Christ.
f. It is His own Body, His dwelling place in the earth through the Holy Spirit.
g. Through Scripture, we see that the Church is a supernatural organism.
h. It was birthed by the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, governed by Christ, and commissioned with Heaven’s assignment.
2. The Church is the Body of Christ.
a. The New Testament Church is a supernatural, Spirit-formed Body—not a man-made institution.
b. Jesus Christ is the Master builder (Matt. 16:18).
c. The Spirit of God is the agent who forms, joins, and equips the Body (1 Cor. 12:13).
d. Christ is the Head, and we are the members (Col. 1:18).
e. The Body is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:19–22).
3. The Church is a Supernatural Community.
a. The Church is made up of those who are:
- Born again of the Spirit of God (John 3:3–6).
- Born of incorruptible seed (1 Pet. 1:23).
- Born into a new family (Eph. 2:19).
b. Only those who have received Christ are in His Church.
c. There are no natural or external limitations placed on who can belong to Him.
d. Any person, from any nation, of any color, of any tribe or tongue, can come to God through Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:9).
e. A heavenly people with a heavenly identity and a heavenly destiny.
f. Every person who repents and is born again is:
- Re-created by the Spirit and redeemed from sin (1 John 3:9; 5:1–4).
- Made a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
- Baptized into Christ and His Body (1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26–29).
g. Every believer—young or old, rich or poor, male or female—is a vital part of this spiritual Body.
4. The Church is a Living Organism.
a. The Church is a living organism, not a dead organization.
b. The Church is people—redeemed, forgiven, Spirit-filled believers.
c. “Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular” (1 Cor. 12:27).
d. “For we are His workmanship…” (Eph. 2:10).
e. The word, “Church,” refers to the Body of Christ, throughout the world.
f. The Greek word “ekklesia” means: “the called-out ones” and “a chosen assembly.”
g. But we also use “church” to refer to the local church—a gathering of believers in a particular place.
h. The Church is where God lives, moves, and manifests His presence.
5. The Church is a Living Habitation.
a. The Church is a spiritual house and habitation of God.
b. It is not: a building; a denomination; a tradition; a Sunday activity; or a social club.
c. We are God’s household, a holy temple, and a habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:19-22).
d. God does not dwell in buildings; He dwells in His people.
e. Buildings are useful, but WE are the Church.
f. We are to carry His presence, as we gather to worship together and minister to one another, wherever we are.
g. We are “as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house”
(1 Pet. 2:5).
h. We are to be examples, representing Christ and modeling and manifesting Him to the world (Col. 1:27).
i. We are the light of the world, and we reflect and represent Jesus to the world (Matt. 5:14-16).
j. We show His character, and we do His works (John 14:12).
k. We are the visible expression of the invisible Christ.
6. The Function of the Church.
a. The New Testament Church has a calling and purpose.
b. The Church proclaims Christ and evangelizes the world, continuing the mission Jesus began (Mark 16:15-20).
c. We preach the Gospel and demonstrate the power of God through signs and wonders (Rom. 1:16).
d. Our mandate is global, eternal, and urgent.
e. The Church is Heaven’s embassy of truth on earth.
f. The Church upholds sound doctrine and brings people into the knowledge of the Truth (1 Tim. 3:15).
g. We shine light in darkness and display God’s glory (Phil. 2:15).
h. We preserve righteousness as salt (Matt. 5:13).
i. We proclaim the Truth that sets men free (John 8:32).
j. We are ambassadors—representing Heaven (2 Cor. 5:20).
7. Preparing for Eternity.
a. The Church trains believers in submission and service.
b. The Christian life is a life of surrender; obedience; discipleship; holiness; servanthood; spiritual maturity.
c. The Church prepares believers for eternity.
d. We learn to submit to Christ so we may one day reign with Christ (Rev. 20:6).
e. We will rule and reign with Christ over the nations (Rev. 5:10; 2 Tim. 2:12).
f. On earth we learn faithfulness, produce fruit, and earn rewards that will be reaped in eternity.
8. The Church Triumphant.
a. The Church is:
- Built by Christ
- Formed by the Spirit
- Empowered by Heaven
- Called for a divine mission
- Sent to change the world
- Destined to reign forever
b. Christ Himself is building His Church, and nothing can stop it.