This now takes us to our last question, "How do we share that faith with others?" This involves the ultimate goal and purpose of Christ's Church. The Greek word for church means an assembly or gathering of people called out in loyal obedience to God. The church began by people meeting in other people's homes. Nowhere in the New Testament is the church used as a building. It wasn't until many years later that buildings were made in which people held church services. Nowhere in the New Testament is Christianity referred to as an isolated, private religion. The church is always described as a body of men and women who have come together out of love for God. Jesus Christ is the head of the church. In fact, the church is referred to as the "Bride of Christ." The mission of the church is very clear. Jesus tells us these words, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). This is referred to as the Great Commission.
The Apostle Paul tells us that all of us make up the Body of Christ - the church. Jesus Christ is no longer physically here in body. Thus, if He wants a task done He has to find somebody to do it. He's counting on all of us, as a congregation of believers, to do it. Every member of the church has a personal responsibility to take part in the mission of the church. To let the Word go forth, that God loves us so much that He gave His only son to die for us that we might have eternal life with Him. This is referred to as the "Good News," the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Research points out that approximately 85% of individuals become Christians by the simple fact that a friend or relative invited them to church. The early church grew quickly by this same process. Today, church research reveals that 5% - 10% of people who attend church go far past just inviting people to church. This 5% - 10% of church members are willing to witness for Jesus Christ and tell other people why they love Jesus. They are clearly not ashamed of the Gospel.
The Bible tells us that all Christians, all members of the Body of Christ, have different spiritual gifts. These spiritual gifts include the "word of wisdom," the "word of knowledge," the "gift of faith," the "gift of healing," the "working of miracles," the "gift of prophecy," the "discerning of spirits," the "gift of tongues," and the "interpretation of tongues." (I Corinthians 12:8-10). All of these spiritual gifts are for the purpose of building the Body of Christ to share the Good News in our community and throughout the world.
Thus, the ultimate goal and purpose of Christ's Church is bringing people into a saving and personal relationship with Jesus Christ; helping them grow spiritually in the Christian faith; and sending them out into the world to witness to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One last question remains. Why should a person search for the Holy Spirit? If we consider that millions of people are searching for some type of happiness in their lives, we can formulate a reasonable answer. Americans spend billions of dollars annually in search of happiness and peace of mind. They attempt to do this through reading "self-help books," becoming involved in alcohol and other drugs," developing "eating disorders," and engaging in "love affairs." They typically do this because of an emptiness inside of them they cannot fill. The reason for this behavior can be explained theologically. We are created in the image of God; as a result, we cannot have peace within ourselves until we are in fellowship with God.
Loving Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit will enable us to find the happiness and contentment we have been searching for. Our search for the Holy Spirit will be fulfilled when the nature and character of Jesus Christ is seen in our lives. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
Christ leaves us with these words as we strive to be faithful to His Great Commission: " . . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NKJV).
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