WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

1. What is the Church?

a) The word translated church in the New Testament means a called-out group or an assembly. It is used of all true believers from the day of Pentecost until Christ's return. In the New Testament it is never used of a building where Christians can meet together.

b) The church is called the body of Christ, Ephesians 1:22-23. Christ is he Head in heaven. Christians are like the different parts of the body, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. Each part has an important task to do.

c) The church is like a building, Ephesians 2:20-22. Christ is now the chief corner stone of the building. This is like a temple for God to live in. God's Spirit lives in all believers.

d) The church is also like the bride of Christ, Ephesians 5:25-27. This makes us think of the great love that Christ has for the church. He is caring for His church here on earth. Some day He will come and take the church to Himself to heaven forever.

e) The word church is also used of a group of believers in one place, 1 Corinthians 1;2. There may be only two or three, Matthew 18:20. The important thing is that Christ is with them.

f) It is also important that each church (the believers in one place) should be a good picture of the church as a whole. Is Christ the Head of the whole church? Then the believers in each little church should give Him the chief place also. Does the Holy Spirit dwell in the church as a whole? Then the believers as they meet together should be led by the Spirit. Are all Christians members of Christ's body? Then all should be received by the church. But if they come and teach things that are not in the Bible or are living a sinful life, they should not be received. The Holy Spirit is grieved if believers in any church are living in sin, or holding false doctrine.