Church Is Not A Building.
Most of us know this, but how do we typically answer the question, “Where's your church?” Without thinking we usually say, “Oh, down the road across from the hardware store...” We give directions to a building, right? Is that how we'd answer the question, “Where's your family?” Think about it. The church is the family of God!
Most of us know this, but how do we typically answer the question, “Where's your church?” Without thinking we usually say, “Oh, down the road across from the hardware store...” We give directions to a building, right? Is that how we'd answer the question, “Where's your family?” Think about it. The church is the family of God!
Church Is Not A Denomination.
Does the Bible talk about or endorse denominations? No it doesn't. Denominations are a man made creation that in the end elevates men and separates groups of believers from other groups of believers. Have you ever talked with someone who seemed proud they were Baptists or Pentecostals, Catholic, Independent, etc.,? Proud of our corporate identity. What's that all about?
The Church Is People!
The church Christ came to build is made up of believers who've received Christ according to the scriptures. Each believer is a member of the body of Christ, placed in that body according to his design. Each member has purpose and gifts to edify others.
Jesus Christ is the Foundation and the Head of the Church.
Some folks believe that a pastor is the head of the church like a CEO of a corporation. This isn't scriptural either. Jesus Christ is the foundation and the Chief Cornerstone upon which the church is built. We are the lively stones of that building. Additionally, we are the body of Christ and he is the head of that body. Christ is the Alpha and Omega! If the head is gone, the body is a door stop. There is no second in command. A man may be head of an organization, but the church of Jesus Christ is not an organization. It is a family!
Important Questions About Church
What Does the Bible Say About The Leadership Structure of the Church?
Jesus tried to instill the heart of church leadership in Matthew 23. In essence he told them to not be like the world. Don't seek titles or positions. Seek to serve! He said, “One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.” Later, Paul taught Timothy and Titus about elders or bishops in a plural sense, not as single leaders. Elders are to be examples to believers, protectors of doctrine, preachers of righteousness and always apt to teach others to teach. In the natural world, parents raise children to become healthy, productive adults, who become parents also. It should be the same spiritually in the church.
How Many People Make Up A Church? Is There A Certain Number?
The short answer is no, the Bible doesn't specify a number. But Jesus said, that wherever two or three are gathered together in his name, there is he in there midst.
What About A Constitution And By Laws?
These things are trappings of man made organizations and governmental requirements of corporations. The church is not a corporation. The Bible is our Constitution, By Laws and guide for life!
Is House Church Or Home Church Biblical?
Absolutely! But don't take my word for it. Read some scriptures about it yourself...
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
The church of Jesus Christ is the dynamic and flexible family of God. It is not subject to the whims of man nor relegated to a fixed date, time or place. It's bigger than any denomination, able to withstand poverty, prosperity and even the gates of hell! Wherever two or three are gathered together in his name to worship God and to edify one another, there is Christ in the midst! Let's not reduce church to a Sunday morning program! Rather, let us BE the church, the light of the world, that city set upon a hill, until he comes to take us to ever be with him!
Does the Bible talk about or endorse denominations? No it doesn't. Denominations are a man made creation that in the end elevates men and separates groups of believers from other groups of believers. Have you ever talked with someone who seemed proud they were Baptists or Pentecostals, Catholic, Independent, etc.,? Proud of our corporate identity. What's that all about?
The Church Is People!
The church Christ came to build is made up of believers who've received Christ according to the scriptures. Each believer is a member of the body of Christ, placed in that body according to his design. Each member has purpose and gifts to edify others.
Jesus Christ is the Foundation and the Head of the Church.
Some folks believe that a pastor is the head of the church like a CEO of a corporation. This isn't scriptural either. Jesus Christ is the foundation and the Chief Cornerstone upon which the church is built. We are the lively stones of that building. Additionally, we are the body of Christ and he is the head of that body. Christ is the Alpha and Omega! If the head is gone, the body is a door stop. There is no second in command. A man may be head of an organization, but the church of Jesus Christ is not an organization. It is a family!
Important Questions About Church
What Does the Bible Say About The Leadership Structure of the Church?
Jesus tried to instill the heart of church leadership in Matthew 23. In essence he told them to not be like the world. Don't seek titles or positions. Seek to serve! He said, “One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.” Later, Paul taught Timothy and Titus about elders or bishops in a plural sense, not as single leaders. Elders are to be examples to believers, protectors of doctrine, preachers of righteousness and always apt to teach others to teach. In the natural world, parents raise children to become healthy, productive adults, who become parents also. It should be the same spiritually in the church.
How Many People Make Up A Church? Is There A Certain Number?
The short answer is no, the Bible doesn't specify a number. But Jesus said, that wherever two or three are gathered together in his name, there is he in there midst.
What About A Constitution And By Laws?
These things are trappings of man made organizations and governmental requirements of corporations. The church is not a corporation. The Bible is our Constitution, By Laws and guide for life!
Is House Church Or Home Church Biblical?
Absolutely! But don't take my word for it. Read some scriptures about it yourself...
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
The church of Jesus Christ is the dynamic and flexible family of God. It is not subject to the whims of man nor relegated to a fixed date, time or place. It's bigger than any denomination, able to withstand poverty, prosperity and even the gates of hell! Wherever two or three are gathered together in his name to worship God and to edify one another, there is Christ in the midst! Let's not reduce church to a Sunday morning program! Rather, let us BE the church, the light of the world, that city set upon a hill, until he comes to take us to ever be with him!
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