What is the essence of the Church?.....................I think the essence of the church is that it's members aid in sharing the gospel and the life of God with others. And IMO I see the essence of the church is that others are being born again and that new growth and new life that God adds to the church they will be new members in particular it's the birth of the church and having the Spirit of life living in the church or his temple. The church is made up of people having received the life of God and they will become part of the church or body of Christ where Jesus is head of his body or church. Again to me the "essence" of the church is the "birth of the church"
What is the purpose of the Church?...................I believe that the church has a destiny in God, speaking of all church members each one has a vocation in the Lord and scripture tells us to walk worthy of your vocation. The church has a future destiny to be with our Creator in the new heaven and new earth in a place where sin is abolished we will know only that which is good forevermore eternally.
The church is to edify, glorify, praise and worship uplfting the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 16:4 "The Lord hath made all things for himself:" yea,even the wicked for the day of evil.
Isaiah 43: 7 Even every one that is "called" by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Ephesians 2:10; John 3:3, 5; Isaiah 63:19;
ACTS 17:28
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The purpose of the church is to live for the Lord Jesus Christ in a dark world according to his will being the bible as Jesus came as the light of the world. The church should be a light to the world. Each church no matter where they are located or the name they put on their doors, should be a light which is the members within the church we are to walk in the light even as he is the light