What is a church?
The Greek word is “ekklesia”. A called out company/ a gathering/ an assembly of people.
In ancient secular Greek this term was used for an assembly that had gathered for some purpose.
It is NOT a building, but based in one location. (see Philemon v2. “The church in thy house.” Also Rom 16:3-5, 1 Cor 1:2 – “at Corinth”, 1 Cor 11:20)
It is NOT owned by men or denominations but by God
i. It belongs to God – “church of God” – See 1 Cor 1:2
ii. It was bought by Christ’s blood - Acts 20:28
iii. It is built up by the Spirit – 1 Cor 12:7, 8
3. It is NOT a secret club, but does have clear boundaries in terms of membership. (See1 Cor 5:12,13; 14:23-25)
Note: the word ‘Church” is also used to describe the universal church- this includes every believer that has ever lived since the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 (Pentecost) until the Lord returns (the rapture). E.g. Eph 1:22,23; Col 1:18. In many ways the local church should be an illustration of the universal church.
The people in the assembly/the local church
Read Acts 2:36-41
Those who were added to the first church in Jerusalem were those who had repented of their sins and trusted Christ for forgiveness of sins. (note: Church membership is not required for salvation.) They were then baptised and added to the assembly of believers.
The local church is for believers. Unbelievers are welcome to observe but are not part of the church.
In summary, there are two clear requirements for membership: Salvation and baptism.
The pattern for the assembly/the local church
Read Acts 2:42-47; (see also Heb 10:24,25 – not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.)
Every local assembly should seek to follow the first church’s example:
1. Continued steadfastly: in the apostle’s doctrine/teaching – God’s word is loved & obeyed
2. in the fellowship – God’s people are caring & united
3. in the breaking of bread – God’s Son is remembered &adored
4. in the prayers. – God’s power is needed &prayed for
5. They were together, not simply for meetings, but were part of each other’s lives (v44-46).
6. They were united in purpose (v46).
7. They were full of joy (v46, 47).
8. They were favoured and fruitful (v47).
John 14:15 “if ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 15:10 “If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love.”
1 Corinthians 14:37 “The things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord
Acts 17:11 “They received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.”
We need to have the same attitude!
The pictures of the assembly/the local church
God’s building / temple of God – 1 Cor 3:9, 16, 17 - what are we building into it?
The body – 1 Cor 12:14-28 - are we playing our part/valuing each other?
A pure bride – 2 Cor 11:2 - are we faithful to Christ?
The house of God…The pillar and ground/foundation of the truth – 1 Tim 3:15 - are we behaving as we should? Do we value the truth?
The family – 1 Tim 5:1, 2 - do we treat each other with respect and purity?
The school – 2 Tim 2:2 - are we learning?
The flock of God – 1 Peter 5:1-4 - do we submit to our shepherds?
The lampstand – Rev 1:20 - are we shining brightly?
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