In the New Testament, Jesus establishes a community of believers, declaring that He will build it upon the rock of confession, as seen in Matthew 16:18. The early church, as described in Acts 20:28, is shepherded by leaders who care for the flock, guiding them towards spiritual maturity. Ephesians 2:20-22 portrays the church as a temple built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the cornerstone, while Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to gather together for mutual encouragement. The psalmist's expression of joy in Psalms 122:1, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord,'" reflects the delight of worshiping with fellow believers.
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And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.