Beside Jesus Christ the central theme of the New Testament is this "mystery" called the Church (Ephesians 3:9-10; 5:32-33). The word for church simply indicates a group that has been "called out" for a specific reason, and that is exactly what the Church is. A group of people who have been called out of the world's way of doing things for the specific purpose of making known the wisdom and love of God. As the Church we have a tremendous responsibility to represent the interest of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. That goes far beyond what we say, it also must include our actions and reactions in everyday life as well as the very intent of our heart. God wants His Church to want what He wants and to sincerely desire what He desires and as a result truly reflect His nature and character. Most importantly, Christ prays that His Church may be ONE in spirit, unity, and love.     The Church had its start in the New Testament on the Day of Pentecost. It was there that fully devoted believers were filled with power (the Holy Spirit) to change the world or at least turn it upside down (Acts 17:6). However, the seeds of this harvest were planted some time before during Christ's ministry as He taught "the Kingdom of God" and declared to Peter that He was going to build His Church. The Church is simply the inauguration of that Kingdom which Jesus was preaching about. Just before His declaration to Peter, Jesus had just asked, "Who do men say that I am?" Peter promptly answer, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then said that it would be upon that rock He would build His Church. He was simply saying that His people, which would help to usher in the climax of His Kingdom ("Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. . .") would be built upon a revelation of who Jesus really is; Son, Savoir, and yes, LORD! As individuals and as a body we must understand we are HIS Church and we are HIS people who are commanded to usher in HIS Kingdom.     Honestly there is only one Church and everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is a part of that Church. We could call it the Church Universal. However, there are individual fellowships, which some might call the local church. It is in these local churches that one might be fed, guided, discipled, and equipped for service. Regular church attendance should not be underestimated. The book of Hebrews tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Regular fellowship offers us 3 things; 1. Guidance and purpose in life through the teaching and preaching of God's Word. 2. Accountability to others through fellowship. This means that you are responsible for the well-being and growth of others and they are responsible for you, which means that through fellowship you can also gain strength and encouragement. 3. It can reorient your focus on God and His plans. During the week you are constantly bombarded with the pressures of work, the demands of people, and the temptations of this world, but through consistent church attendance one can be reminded of why you are really here, which is the bring glory to God, love Him, and see others come to know Him.     One last thing as it concerns involvement in a church must be understood; The unity, harmony, and growth of the Body of Christ (the Church)is more important than your own personal feelings, needs, or desires (Corinthians 12-14). Peter sums things up really well in his first letter, "Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything . . . Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit. . ." Christ said people know that you are my disciples (i.e. Church) by you love for each other.