The Church is an important part of our faith journey, as it provides us with a community of believers who share our commitment to following Christ and fulfilling His mission in the world.
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of the Church, both the local and universal Church, and the purpose of the Church as outlined in the Bible.
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| What is the church: A Pastor Ministering to people in an open or public space. Without having a building, temple, or cathedral. |
What is the Church according to the Bible?
The word "church" in English is derived from the Old English word "cirice" or "circe," which referred to a place of worship. This word is thought to have come from the Greek word "kuriakon," which means "belonging to the Lord" or "dedicated to the Lord."
The word "kuriakon" was used in early Christianity to refer to buildings and other properties that were dedicated to the Lord and used for worship. However, the word "kuriakon" was not used to refer to the Christian assembly or community itself. For that, the Greek word "ekklesia" was used.
The word "ekklesia" comes from the Greek verb "ekkaleo," which means "to call out" or "to summon." In ancient Greece, it was used to refer to a political assembly or gathering of citizens who had been summoned to discuss and make decisions about important issues.
How the Chruch is Described in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the word "ekklesia" is used to refer to the community of believers who have been called out of the world to follow Christ and serve His purposes.
This community is not defined by a physical building or location; but by a shared commitment to Christ and His mission. As Jesus says in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
The Church is described as a spiritual house, a holy temple, a living body, and a family. In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter writes, "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul describes the Church as a holy temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
So while the English word "church" does not directly translate from the Greek word "ekklesia," the two words are closely related in meaning. Both words refer to a community of people who have been called out or set apart for a specific purpose, whether that purpose is political or spiritual.
Ultimately, the true meaning of the church lies not in its name or its physical structure, but in the people who make it up and their commitment to following Christ and fulfilling His mission in the world.
Read Also: The Early Church Fathers, Who are they? A brief overview of the History of the church.
What the Church is not?
The Church is not just a physical gathering of believers, or a big temple or cathedral, but a spiritual community united by a shared faith in Christ.
As Jesus says in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
The Church, therefore, is not defined by its physical structure or location, but by the people who make it up and their commitment to following Christ.
The Local Church Vs The Universal Church The Difference
What is the Local Church?
What is the Universal Church?
What is the Importance of the Church?
The Church is an important part of our faith journey for several reasons.
1. The church provides us with a community of believers who can support and encourage us in our walk with Christ.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
2. The Church provides us with opportunities to use our spiritual gifts and talents for the glory of God. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:12, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."
Each member of the Church has a unique role to play in fulfilling God's mission in the world, and by using our gifts and talents in service to others, we can bring glory to God and advance His kingdom.
3. The Church provides us with opportunities for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth. As we gather together in worship and prayer, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our understanding of His Word.
As Paul says in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
4. The Church is important because it is a witness to the world of God's love and grace. As Jesus says in John 13:35, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Through our love and service to one another, we can show the world the transformative power of Christ's love and the reality of His presence in our lives.
What is the Purpose of the Church?
The purpose of the Church is to glorify God and advance His kingdom in the world.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission to His disciples, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
The Church, therefore, is called to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded.
This mission requires us to go out into the world and share the Gospel with others, demonstrating the love of Christ and inviting them into a relationship with Him.
Additionally, the Church is called to be a witness to the world, demonstrating God's love and grace through our actions and service to others.
James 1:27 says, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
By serving others, we demonstrate the reality of Christ's love and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Church is a spiritual community of believers who have been called out of the world to follow Christ and fulfill His mission in the world. The Church is not defined by its physical structure or location but by the people who make it up and their commitment to following Christ.
The Church is important because it provides us with a community of believers who can support and encourage us in our faith, opportunities to use our spiritual gifts and talents for the glory of God, opportunities for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth, and a witness to the world of God's love and grace.
The purpose of the Church is to glorify God and advance His kingdom in the world by making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded.
Additionally, the Church is called to be a witness to the world, demonstrating God's love and grace through our actions and service to others.
May we all be committed to being part of the Church, both the local and universal Church, and fulfilling our role in advancing God's kingdom in the world. Amen.