Church
The Church is the community of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. She is also known as the Bride of the Lamb (Rev. 21:9; Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7), the Body of Christ (1Cor.12:27), and the Temple of God (1Pet.2:5,6; Eph.2:21,22; 1Cor.3:16,17). The Church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Eph.2:20). Therefore, apostolic doctrine and prophetical edification are foundational to the Church (Acts 2:42; 15:32). The Church is a fellowship of fellow-believers. Therefore, Christians are commanded not to forsake assembling together ( Heb.10:25). The Church is the Household of God, His family; therefore, there must be unity, cooperation, edification, and productivity in it (Eph. 2:19; 1Cor.1:10; Jn.13:35; Gal.6:1,2). The Church is both universal and local.
The Lord Jesus Christ appoints apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and pastors for the care and edification of the Church (Eph. 4:11-12). The Holy Spirit gifts individuals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the Church (1Cor.12). The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, to make disciples out of them and teach them the teachings of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20). This proclamation is accompanied with signs and wonders that the Lord works to confirm His Word (Mk. 16:20; Heb.2:4).
The two ordinances of the Church are water baptism (Matt.28:19) and the Lord's Table (1Cor.11:23-29).
Jesus Christ will return to this earth for His Church. Then, the dead in Christ will first rise up and those who are alive will be caught up to Him in the clouds to be with Him forever (1Thess.4:16,17).