Who and what is the Church?

 The Church is the spiritual Body of Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:4-5) The English word Church is translated from the Greek ekklesia, which means called out ones. The Church is the collective Body of believers who are called out of this world and its ways.

They are sanctified (set-apart) by truth, and possess the indwelling of the holy spirit. (John 17:16-17 / Romans 8:9)

Israel is called the "Church in the wilderness, but the New Testament Church began on the Day of Pentecost in AD 31, and is commissioned to preach the gospel of Christ's sacrifice, and announce the coming Kingdom of God.

The Church is to disciple those the Father calls, baptizing them and teaching them all that Christ and the early Apostles taught, which is the Faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. (Matthew 24:14 / 28:19-20 / Acts 2 / John 21:21 / Jude) In fulfilling its commission, the Church continually looks to Jesus Christ, its Head. (Colossians 1:18)

At the time of the end, shortly before the return of Christ, the Church is identified as those who keep the Commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (Revelation 12:17 / 14:12)