Sermon Central
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The Church Is A Building Or A People? Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 25, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: We'll explore the scriptural definition of the church and its implications for our understanding of the body of Christ.
The term "church" is often associated with a physical building, but is this the biblical understanding of the church? We'll explore the scriptural definition of the church and its implications for our understanding of the body of Christ.
The Biblical Definition:
The Greek word "ekklesia" (?????s?a) is translated as "church" in English. It means "a gathering" or "an assembly" of people. In the New Testament, the church is consistently referred to as a group of believers, not a physical building (Matthew 18:15-20, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 12:22-23).
The Church as a People:
The church is a community of believers, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:13). We are the temple of God, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-6). The church is not a physical structure, but a living, breathing organism, composed of individuals who have put their faith in Jesus Christ.
Implications:
Understanding the church as a people, rather than a building, has significant implications for our faith and practice:
1. Emphasis on relationships: We are called to love and serve one another, as members of the body of Christ (John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 12:25).
2. Focus on spiritual growth: We are encouraged to mature in our faith, becoming more like Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Peter 3:18).
3. Priority on mission: We are commissioned to share the gospel and make disciples, both locally and globally (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
4. Flexibility and adaptability: As a people, we can gather and worship in various settings, from homes to public spaces (Acts 2:46, 1 Corinthians 16:19).
The church is not a physical building, but a community of believers, united in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us embrace this biblical understanding, focusing on our relationships, spiritual growth, mission, and flexibility, as we serve and worship our Lord Jesus Christ.
Key Scripture: "You yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5)
