So many today wonder why it matters what Jesus had in mind when He said, "I will build my church." Even some who consider themselves to be "serious" Christians are unconcerned or believe that it is not possible to understand church doctrine.

The concept that God does indeed care where and how we worship Him is developed throughout the Old Testament (see Deuteronomy 12 for example). The Lord further established that concept in the New Testament, providing specific instructions and examples to those first-century Christians authorized to represent Him: His church.

This small...