BIBLE STUDIES ARCHIVE..... The Lord is Building His Church
 
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."  Matthews 16:18
Jesus is building His church.  Christ our Lord is building, constructing, His church.  Do we recognize it?  Can we see it?  Are we in one accord with it?
What is Church?
The word church is found in the Gospel of Matthew, in the verse above.  The Greek word is ekklesia, which means the "called out ones."  Our first conclusion then, about the church being built by the Lord, is that it consists of people, not buildings or denominations.  He is building a global, multi-lingual, diverse, community of believers.  There is no limit by language, race, or financial background.  As a matter of fact, there are no membership meetings.  He calls us His church.  We have been called out from the world.  Just as Abraham was called out to follow where God would lead him, we are the called out assembly of believers.
What are we called to?
Scripture says we are called out and also called to.  Among the things we are called to include:
1. Light  - 1 Peter 2:9
2. Eternal glory by Christ - 1 Peter 5:10
3. Calling of hope - Ephesians 4:1

We, the called out ones, are called to become one.  We are called to become the one new man, the bride of Christ.
What Does this Church Look Like that Jesus is Building?
John 17 depicts the church as united.  Throughout Scripture, references are made to "the church" (singular), unless local churches (plural) are being discussed.  It is one church, one body, with one Head - Jesus Christ.  Therefore, unity is imperative.  Jesus prayed in this Gospel account for unity in the body.  It's been said that unity is impossible, even within a community.  That is a contradiction of the Bible, which tells us that with God, all things are possible.  For unity to be achieved, we must be prepared to set down our differences, and all things man-made, in order to receive what is made by God.
As Jesus builds His church, He is building oneness!
Matthew 16:15-20 describes what the church will look like:  strong; forceful; and victorious.  We are called to fight a spiritual war - to use the power and authority given to us by our Lord to bind and to loose in His Name.  We are called to reclaim lost ground to the enemy camp.  We are also called to stand our ground against enemy attack.  Jesus has given the church keys to the kingdom.
As Jesus builds His church, He is equipping warriors!
Eph. 5:23-32 presents the church that Jesus is building as glorious, without blemish -- a beautiful and radiant bride.   We are to be washed, cleansed, pure, and set apart.  We are called to holiness.  We are the sanctified people, being prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.  Our hearts are to be right, our motives pure, our sights set on our Bridegroom - Jesus. 
As Jesus builds His church, He is preparing His Bride!
We are a united warrior-bride!  One army marching up the aisle and being readied for the marriage.  This is God's will and Scripture tells us that His Word does not return void.  Jesus is building, this very moment, His church.  Are you part of it?