The life and function of the church

So far, we have seen that this church belongs to Jesus, being purchased by His blood, is built by Him, is built on Him, and is bound to succeed. We have seen the keys of the kingdom—Evangelism and Discipline. | How are we to "do church?" We cannot just do whatever is comfortable for us. Most of the NT is written to various churches, and we have to go to it for the answers. Ephesians 4:8-16 speaks of gifts to His church | ** What were the gifts? Vs 11 Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor-Teachers ** Why were they given? Vs 12-13 To equip the church | APOSTLES – One who has been sent out. Given to the church to lay the foundation of the church Ephesians 2:19-20 | PROPHETS – 1Cor3:10-11. A church that shifts its foundation from that of the word of God—the foundation of the apostles and prophets—ceases to be a church of Jesus. | EVANGELIST – One who goes into all the world to preach the gospel. Many churches we have today began with the work of an evangelist. Acts 21:8. The apostle Paul was not just an apostle but also an evangelist. | PASTORS AND TEACHERS – To take the truth of God’s word and apply it to God’s people within the life of the church. Acts 20:28. It is the Holy Spirit who has made them overseers. | The Lord loves the church, having chosen every member and has given them pastor teachers for the building up of the body Eph 4:12, for the equipping of the saints to maturity Eph 4:13-14, and for them to stand firm in the face of new doctrines Eph 4:14-15.