The Church
Church - Greek ekklesia (ek-klay-see’-ah) - “A gathering of people”
- Is built by Jesus. The Gates Of Hell will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
- Multiplies when it walks in fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31)
- Is cared for by pastors who are appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28)
- Sometimes meet in houses (Romans 16:5)
- Is supposed to judge its members (1 Corinthians 5:12)
- Consists of a wide variety of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a wide variety of life situations and vocations, and it’s supposed to stay that way (1 Corinthians 7:17)
- Has many different members with many different skills, talents, and abilities (natural and supernatuarl) that are given to them by God. (1 Corinthians 12:28)
- These “gifts” mentioned in the last point are to be used by these members for the “building” (strengthening, growth, and improvement) of the church as a whole. (1 Corinthians 14:12)
- Causes its leaders anxiety (2 Corinthians 11:28) :-D
- Is currently, commanded, directed, and controlled by Jesus personally (Ephesians 1:22)
- Has been given a strange metaphorical picture to show it’s relationship with Jesus: Marriage. (Ephesians 5:32)
- Is Christ’s physical body on earth (Colossians 1:18)
- Is God’s household (1 Timothy 3:15)
- Is a pillar and buttress of truth (1 Timothy 3:15)
Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Thoughtful post. I enjoyed reading it. Anything in particular that stimulated it?
Dan - the post was stimulated by a tremendous load of stress and discouragement I’ve been feeling lately. I decided to read every verse the New Testament has on The Church. This post is not exhaustive, but pulls out important points, I think :)
I just finished “STop Dating the Church” by Josh Harris. I highly recommend it. You know what, the church sucks. You know what else? Jesus loves it. Jesus is nuts about it. I should love it too and be nuts about it. I am commanded to die for the people in it. I’m talking (Jesus is talking) about the local church, not just the universal church.
I blogged on this but here’s a couple quotes to try on for size:
“Going away (leaving a church) is easy. Do you want to know what’s harder? Do you want to know what takes more courage and what will make you grow faster than anything else? Join a local church and lay down your selfish desires by considering others more important than yourself.” (Page 60-61)
“The importance of the sermon has nothing to do with the stature of the pastor who is preaching and everything to do with the authority and power of the Word of God. … Listening to preaching is a form of worship” since “God himself is addressing you through his Word.” (Luke 8:18) (Page 111)
“Christians often speak of wanting God’s heart for the poor or the lost. And those are good desires. But shouldn’t we also want God’s heart for the church? If Jesus loves the church, you and I should too. It’s that simple.” (Page 31)
Hang in there Matt. Jesus knows. Oh boy, does he know.
Thanks Dan, those quotes are amazing. The book has been on my “to read” list for a long time. I’ll check your post out about it.
I have the book Matt if you want to borrow it.
One of my favorite quotes about the church is from Albert Einstein made to the TIME magazine in 1940. He said, “only the Church remained standing to halt the progress of Hitler’s campaigns to do away with truth. In the past I never felt any interest for the Church, but now I feel great love and admiration for her, as the Church was the only one with the courage and tenacity to support intellectual truth and moral freedom. I must admit that what I once despised, I now praise unconditionally.”
Hey Matt,
I occasionally read your blog, as we have mutual friends. I love your post on the church. I recently moved to Salt Lake City and have be reminded constantly that the Church isn’t an Earthly structure, but the living body of Christ. I just want you to be reminded of 2 Timothy 2:22-25 when it comes to your Christian brothers…
Peace
Mike