Church

Not a building, but a body.

First Mention in Scripture

Original Word: ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)

Reference: Matthew 16:18

Meaning: An assembly, called-out ones.

Jesus said, 'I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' — declaring His authority and commitment to establish His people.

The Church is not a building or a service — it is the people of God, saved by grace, united by faith in Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

The Church was born from the work of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit. It exists to worship God, grow in holiness, proclaim the gospel, and reflect His kingdom on earth.

Jesus didn’t just die to save individuals — He died to create a new people for His name (Titus 2:14).

To belong to Christ is to belong to His Church — the global, Spirit-filled family of believers called to follow Him together.

The Church Belongs to Christ

The Church is not man’s idea — it is Christ’s. “He is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18). He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

It is His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27), His body (1 Corinthians 12:27), and His household (Ephesians 2:19–22). The Church exists by Him, through Him, and for Him.

The Church Is the Dwelling Place of God

In the Old Testament, God dwelled in the tabernacle and temple. Now, He dwells in His people by the Holy Spirit. “You yourselves are God’s temple… and the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

The Church is being built into a spiritual house for God’s glory (1 Peter 2:5).

The Church Gathers to Worship and Grow

The early Church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). The Church gathers regularly for worship, communion, Scripture, and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25).

This gathering isn’t optional — it is vital. We are not saved into isolation but into a body that builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:11–16).

The Church Goes to Make Disciples

The Church is not only gathered — it is sent. Jesus commanded His followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Church is a witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), preaching the gospel, baptizing believers, and teaching obedience to Christ.

The Church Reflects God’s Kingdom

The Church is a preview of the coming kingdom — a diverse, forgiven, Spirit-filled community where Christ rules. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…” (1 Peter 2:9).

Through its unity, holiness, and love, the Church shows the world what God is like (John 13:35).

The Church Will Be Glorified with Christ

One day, Christ will return for His bride — spotless and radiant. The Church’s story ends in glory, not defeat. “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations” (Ephesians 3:21).

The Church will reign with Christ, dwell with Him forever, and worship in His presence (Revelation 21:3).

Scripture References

The Church is not perfect — but it is precious. It is Christ’s body, His bride, His temple, and His mission on the earth. We are not saved into private spirituality but into a Spirit-filled family, gathered in worship and scattered in mission. To love Jesus is to love His Church — the one He died to redeem, is now sanctifying, and will one day glorify forever.

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