Edited 12/11/23
Definition of Church
The word church is derived from the Greek word, “Kuriakon”. A church is, “that which belongs to, or is appropriated to the Lord.” It may be a German word meaning, “to elect, choose out,” therefore, corresponding to the Greek, (“ekklesia”) meaning, an assembly called together.
A church is understood to be the collective body of Christians, or all those who profess to believe in Christ, acknowledging him as the Savior.
1. Ephesians 3:21, “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus”
2. Ephesians 4:11-12, “And He = (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ = (the church).”
3. I Timothy 3:15, Paul wrote, “If I tarry long, = (am delayed) that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave = (conduct) thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God.”
In the first and second century, Christians worshipped in private homes, fields, or remote areas. They were not recognized by the Roman state, or the religious Jews. If caught worshipping together would be taken in for questioning, possibly tortured, put in prison, or put to death. It was not until the late third to fourth century that Christians began to worship the Lord in public places, and without fear.
By the word church, we are also to understand the whole body of God’s chosen people, in every period of time.
1. Hebrews 12:23, “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn = (He who is chief, highly distinguished and pre-eminent).
2. Acts 20:28, Paul wrote, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath make you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He = (Jesus) hath purchased with His own blood.”
3. Ephesians 1:22, The Father has, “put all things under His = (Jesus) feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.”
By a particular church, we understand an assembly of Christians united together, and meeting in one place for the purpose of worshiping God. It is a congregation of faithful people, in which the true word of God is preached and taught, and the sacraments duly administered, according to Christ’s ordinances.
Would the Lord consider the congregation in which you worship faithful? are those who attend true to God’s word? Does the congregation worship in both spirit and truth?
May we all live up to the glory to which the church has been called to live.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com