CHURCH
Many people think of the church as the building where religious people meet on Sundays. The truth is the word 'church' actually refers to something completely different.Church actually refers to an assembly of people, or people who have been 'called out'. This means that the church is not a building, but refers to all believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us the church is the body of Christ and Jesus is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). Every believer from the start of the church (Acts 2) to the day that Jesus returns makes up this the body.
There are two ways to understand the church: (1) The universal Church, mentioned above which consists of all people who are saved by God, and (2) The local church, which is a gathering of believers at a specific location. When we see Christians gather in buildings in our cities, these are examples of the local church. God designed each of His children to be in loving relationship with one another. Since God designed it to be that way, the local church is of great importance. As God sets us apart from our old life, He gives us a like-minded community to encourage us in loving and doing good (Hebrews 10:24-25). When the early church first started, the believers would gather to hear the Gospel, study the Scriptures, converse, dine, and pray together (Acts 2:42). We should seek to imitate them today when we meet.
The Church has a specific purpose. Jesus told his disciples that they were to be like lamps on a stand. A lamp gives light for all to see. In the same way, we are called by Jesus to be the light in a world filled with darkness (Matthew 5:16). By sharing the love of Jesus, teaching the Word of God, serving one another in love, and working with one another, we are completing the task that Jesus calls us to. If you are not part of a local church right now, we want to encourage you to join one in your community. Visit ChurchFinder.com, or search online, to find churches in your area. The relationships you develop with other believers are essential for our growth and strength in the faith.
