Christ Loved the Church

by William MacDonald

What should the church be like? Is there an obvious, consistent picture of the church in the Bible? Was that kind of congregation intended as the pattern for generations of Christians following? Can it be lived two thousand years later? The author answers, "yes, yes, yes, yes." This is not a theoretical book. Bill MacDonald has witnessed others carrying out the New Testament pattern for church life in countries around the world. He has practiced and promoted these same principles, and happily, he knows how to communicate on paper.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1956

About the author

William MacDonald (1917-2007) had, for more than forty years, written directly about the key issues of Christianity. Leaving a promising business career as an employed investment analyst with First National Bank of Boston "at the foot of the Cross", he had traveled worldwide, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ.

His more than over eighty-four works published in North America are characterized by a clarity and economy of words that only comes by a major time investment in the Word of God.

MacDonald graduated with an AB degree from Tufts College (now University) in 1938 and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 1940. During the 1940's he was on active duty in the US Navy for five years.

He was President of Emmaus Bible College, a teacher, preacher, and Plymouth Brethren theologian alongside his ministry as a writer. He was a close friend and worker with O.J. Gibson.

MacDonald last resided in California where he was involved in his writing and preaching ministry. He went to be with the Lord in 2007.

Reviews

[Andy Scott]

In this book the author covers several of the basic principles of church form and function as taught in the New Testament. Generally, Macdonald sticks to what the text says but doesn't necessarily take the space to address objections or points of confusion. Overall it is a nice summary that challenges churches to strive for holiness as they seek to represent the truth of what the church really is.

I liked the chapters on church discipline and expansion as they are topics that I have found difficulty to put into practice. It is interesting to see his take on leadership in the church - it seems he emphasizes the leading of the Spirit through dependence by all on him, while elders are examples, teachers, and guards (rebuke when sin or error are present). Food for thought.

[Sunny Petkova]

В тази книга се разглеждат нещата, които са били в църквата и които трябва да бъдат и сега, и това, което се е променило през вековете. Но... Божието слово не можеш да го промениш, затова трябва да се придържаме възможно най-точно към предписанията, които намираме в него и да живеем живот, изпълнен и воден от Святия Дух!

[David Moldenhauer]

An excellent book dealing with the organization and practice of a local body of believers. It conservatively, clearly, and concisely expounds scripture without regard to any specific denomination. The writer includes many helpful bullet points throughout. It's a valuable resource for those in church leadership, as well as a guide for those seeking an appropriate place to fellowship.