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THE CHURCH - NEW RELATIONSHIPS (PART 1) Through a revelation of the Holy Spirit, Peter confessed the true identity of Jesus, the Son of God. (Matthew 16:16-18) Jesus said this truth would be the foundation stone that His church would be built on. He also described the type of church He would build: a victorious church that would overcome the kingdom of darkness. Jesus and Paul used the word "church" in reference to the people of God. Church never referred to a religious building. Here are two benefits of being part of a local church: Friendship Real friends. Everyone needs them. Few find them. The best place to look for a real friend is in the church, the people of God. True friends are those who have our best interests in mind. They stick with us through thick and thin. Real friends never lead us away from God. Instead, they provoke us to godliness. (Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:24) Fellowship If a piece of burning coal is removed from the fire, it will cool off. If it's put back in the middle of a pile of red-hot coals, it will burn again. The same is true of Christians. If a Christian is removed from fellowship with other red-hot Christians, he or she will cool off spiritually. If a Christian stays in fellowship, he or she will stay on fire for God. (Acts 2:42, 44-46; 2 Corinthians 6:14)