The commission of the church encompasses more than preaching to the unconverted; it includes a vital focus on those already within the faith. Making disciples and baptizing are essential for conversions, but Christ also commands teaching them to observe all things He has commanded. This teaching of the fullness of God's way of life continues after baptism, as deeper understanding and growth in faith are necessary for the converted. The apostle Paul, writing to the established Christian congregation in Rome, expressed his readiness to preach the gospel to them, despite their renowned faith, to impart spiritual gifts and encourage mutual growth. His desire was to reveal more of the gospel's glories to foster their continued development. Similarly, in Thessalonica, Paul preached to the believers from their initial exposure through conversion and beyond, aiding their growth as imitators of other churches of God. Christ's own example shows He spent most of His time preaching and teaching His disciples, the heirs of salvation who comprised His church at that time, giving them His most specific instruction and correction. Today, the church's main thrust should shift toward personal overcoming, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, becoming more submitted to God, and refining character and relationships. The greatest efforts must be directed toward preparing a people for the end-time events and for marriage with the Bridegroom.

To avoid becoming unsettled in this spiritually confused world, one must understand his purpose in God's church. Those called now are given the Holy Spirit for the purpose of getting a job done, assisting in the Great Commission to proclaim Christ's gospel message of the Kingdom of God worldwide. This responsibility is God's means of developing His righteous character in us. Even after the completion of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong's commission, the work of God's church continues faithfully until Christ, the True Head of this Church, returns. God's intention has shifted to a different kind of work since Mr. Armstrong's death in 1986. While his work was unique in proclaiming the gospel to the world, the primary focus now is on another vital part of the gospel, preparing church members to serve the survivors of the Great Tribulation and assist their Creator in setting up His Kingdom after Christ's return. The work now is for God's people to get into a frame of mind to do this, being reminded weekly of the truth to keep on the right track. Our Creator's command to hold fast what we have, that no one may take our crown, is directed at us more so now than ever. God's work today is molding and fashioning the strong, righteous character needed to help the millions of weak and helpless survivors at Christ's Return. The emphasis just before the end is on feeding the flock, not the world, as the faithful and wise servant gives meat in due season. What a great privilege it is to serve our fellow man in the work of God at the beginning of the Millennium. Meanwhile, our attention must be intensely focused on the preparatory work God is doing today, just as it was focused on preaching the gospel to the world as a witness before 1986. The purpose of God's work now and our calling is to prepare for the next phase of God's work as the wonderful World Tomorrow begins, which is why we are in God's church now ahead of time before God calls all of mankind to salvation.

Amid a culture where newcomers shop for churches the way they shop for plumbers or schools—seeking preferred programs, preaching styles, or service times—this message challenges that consumer mindset by returning to Scripture to answer a deeper question: What is the Church? Drawing from Jesus' first use of the term in Gospel of Matthew 16:18, it presents the Church not as a building or denomination, but as the "ekklesia"—a called-out assembly of believers built upon and led by Jesus Christ Himself, the true Rock and Head. From the congregation in the wilderness to the Spirit-empowered believers of Acts of the Apostles 2, the Church is shown to be God's divinely initiated work: individuals drawn by the Father, brought to repentance and baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and gathered into a covenant community that worships in spirit and truth. This assembly is not formed by human preference but by divine calling; its members are chosen, transformed, and trained to live by God's Word rather than cultural trends, putting off the old self and putting on the new. Ultimately, the Church exists as God's spiritual training ground—His teachers' college—preparing a royal priesthood to reflect His image, proclaim His truth, and participate in His unfolding plan, growing into the likeness of Christ as they await His Kingdom.