Theme: THE CHURCH
Lesson: THE CHURCH – A PEOPLE
Scripture Reference:
Heb. 3:4-6
The English words, ‘Church’ and/or ‘ecclesia’ is a transliteration of the Greek ‘ekklesia’ taken from the ‘Lexicon’ (LXX) to mean ‘an assembly of the people of Israel’. The term was not exclusively used by the Jews. Therefore, it was proper to be adopted for such a gathering which would include the Gentiles – cf. Acts 19:32. As in the text above, we will see later, that ‘Church’ has never been used as a physical structure (Church cathedral/halls, meeting places) or as a sect or denomination in Scripture.
In Scripture, the word ‘Church’ is, on the one hand, used as a ‘local believing community’ and as a reference for all the believers, the world over, on the other – cf. Acts 9:31; 20:28; 1Cor.12:28; Eph. 1:22; Gal. 6:16.
‘Ekklesia’ is a reference for both a body of believers in Christ assembled locally as a congregation as well as a universal body whether assembled or not. As such, one can be a member of a local assembly of believers but fail to be one in a universal sense due to passing through just the common ritualistic experience of a local congregation not according to the faith of Christ.
God’s vision of making mankind in His image which He turned into a mission in the Garden of Eden was for fellowship with Him eternally. He never intended to allow this eternal intent to be hindered by sin. But the fellowship was restricted to soul-inherent beings only. Sheep, oxen, fouls, fishes, etc. were not made to fellowship with God the same way humans were.
The English dictionary defines ‘Church’ as ‘a place Christians worship’. But the Bible which I believe is ‘the dictionary of God’s love’ shows us that the ‘Church’ is ‘a people who worship God in Christ everywhere with or without a physical structure ’ since worship under this regime of grace of Jesus Christ is in spirit and in truth. (See John 1:17; 4:20-24). The Church is a believing people who may or may not have built their own corporate worship place. However, worship or meeting halls or shelters would do well to protect them from sun heat, rain wets and afford them a spacious place for many corporate worshippers, thus, remaining beneficial to have. They are, however, not built to house God as God is too big to live in cathedrals constructed with human hands. (See Acts 17:24,25)
EVALUATION:
1. What is the relationship between ‘The Church’ and the place she gathers?
2. Suggest a possible misplacement of priority when dealing with ‘The Church’ with regards to ‘Church building’.
3. Can there be ‘Church’ on earth without a physical building? Why?
4. Can there be ‘Church’ on earth without ‘believing people’? If ‘yes’ or ‘no’, how?
Let’s Pray:
Our sole Reverend Father in Heaven, Glory be thine alone for building an eternally reliable house (not built with hands and money) for us who have come to You through faith in Thy Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for uniting all of us, members of the one eternal house in the Heavens headed by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Graciously grant us knowledge of sheltering our lives therein and correctly influencing all those surrounding us on earth in Christ Jesus. Amen
VIA:
Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES
P/S:
-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?
-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?
Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)
