In today’s message, we look at the importance of understanding God's perspective on the local church as the ongoing manifestation of Christ's ministry on Earth. Central to every New Testament Church is being word-centered, prayer-centered, ministry-centered, and missions-centered. In Colossians 3:15-17 we learn about the importance of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and doing all things in Jesus' name. We see the significance of thankfulness and peace in our lives as members of Christ's body and the importance of a word-centered church that prioritizes the belief that God's word creates, sustains, grows, and sanctifies the church and its individuals.