What is the Church?
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said:
“I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
“Church” is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning “a called out gathering or assembly of people”. The Church of God is a congregation made up of all kinds of people on earth, called out from the world through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be followers of Christ.
The Bible says to the Church:
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once, you were not a people, but now you are God’s people. Once, you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Since the Church has been called out from the world, the Church shouldn’t look like the world. It’s not a social club. It’s not entertainment. It doesn’t tolerate sin. It’s not a money-making organization, not a brand, nor a company. It’s not a magic show full of illusions. It’s not a platform for politics or new philosophies. The church is not a denomination nor a building.
The true church is a people sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, assembling together in the Name of Christ, Who gave Himself for us, dying on the cross to redeem us from all lawlessness; and purify a people zealous for good works.
Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)
The Church is the body of Christ (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12) and Christ is the head, growing us together in Him. The Church is the Bride of Christ (John 3:29; Ephesians 5:25; Revelation 21:2), being sanctified by His Word. The Church is the Work of Christ (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:5), and hell will not prevail against it. Rather, the church will prevail against hell…
…when we understand the text
(This video is by WWUTT. Discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central.)
