Common to humans across cultures is the need to belong and be accepted by others. For that reason, people long to spend time bonding with family, friends, hobby-buddies, sports fans, and faith communities. Though every true Christ-one is part of the universal body of Christ, there is no substitute for belonging to a local expression of that body – belonging to a local church. 

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What constitutes a Church (a local expression of the universal body of Christ)?

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Begin
A local church begins with Jesus Christ as its Chief Cornerstone. (Matthew 21:42, I Peter 2:4-8)
Be Born
A local church is made up of those who identify with Christ via the New Birth (Born again). (John 3:14-18)
Be Baptized
A local church is made up of those who identify with Christ via Baptism. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:36, Acts 8:12,13)
Belong
A local church is made up of those who identify with Christ via Belonging.
•    We Belong to the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 1:22,23)
•    We Belong to the Building of Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22, I Corinthians 3:9-11)
•    We Belong to the Family of Christ (Hebrews 2:10-14, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 2:19)
Beliefs
A local church is made up of those who embrace the foundational teachings of the Apostles concerning Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:10,11, Ephesians 2:19,20, Acts 11:26, Colossians 2:6, Titus 1:8)
Bend
A local church is made up of those who practice mutual submission to each other. (Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 2:3, I Peter 5:5)
Bishops
A local church is made up of those appointed and delegated to lead and shepherd the flock. (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:1,2, Romans 13:1)
Behave
A local Church is required as a context for the development and expression of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:4-13, I Peter 4:8-11, Hebrews 10:24,25)