Scripture text: Acts 9:31

The Church's Function - Building and Multiplication

The Church's Purpose

1. Edification - Building up believers

1 Corinthians 3:9

Ephesians 2:19-22

The Foundation and the purpose of the church

*We are part of the household of God (a building)

*Built upon a strong foundation - Jesus Christ

*We are growing into the holy temple of God

*We are being built up together (koinonia)

Colossians 2:6-7

How are we built up as a church body?

*You need the right foundation

1 Corinthians 13:11 ; 2 Timothy 2:19 ; Acts 4:11

*You need a good framework and the right materials - 1 Corinthians 14:26 ; Romans 14:19

We all have 2 choices as members of the body:

God's construction team or the enemy's demolition team

There are tools to build with:

*God's word - Ephesians 3:7-8

*Faith - Jude 20

*Love - Romans 12:9

*Spiritual gifts - Romans 12:3-8

2. The Purpose of the Church is to multiply itself

Acts 9:31

Matthew 4:19

Acts 5:42