The word Church is a translation of biblical words found in both the OT and the NT: the Hebrew (OT) word ‘qahal’, and the Greek (NT) word ‘ekklesia’, both of which mean “gathering of people or community” for worship. It was first applied to the people of Israel whom God called into existence. The contemporary church is also called into existence by God (Acts 2).
The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22–23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) until Christ’s return.
Contrary to what some might believe, I seriously doubt that heaven will have special reserved denominational sections. We are all one church body and that’s applies to everyone, everywhere, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This verse says that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ and has received the Spirit of Christ as evidence. All those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ make up the church……without walls!
In short, the church is not a building or a denomination. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ—all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). That being said, we are not only called to gather in a building to learn, praise, pray, worship, and fellowship; we are equally called to be the hands and feet outside of the building where we gather. We are called to be the church in our homes, jobs, and communities. In 1 Timothy 5, Paul describes the church as people dedicated to doing whatever it takes to reach out and help others. We have a responsibility to serve and help others in need as the church. Caring for each other as well as those outside of the church is the quickest way to see Jesus change lives.
My brothers and sisters, I am in no way trying to step on anyone’s spiritual toes but I am hoping to call some of you into action. In Matthew 9:38-39 Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
At the end of the day, the church isn’t a building, it’s people. It’s made up of people that authentically love God and love others. It’s made up of people that openly pray, praise, worship, cry, and celebrate together. And most of all it’s made up of people that are wiling to be the hands (bless) and feet (serve) for God’s glory in Christ Jesus!
If you have been spectating in the church pews or online, this is your official call to get in the game! Somebody who is lost is waiting on you to shine your light in their dark world!
4GIVEN 