God's Church: "Church" Used in the New Testament
So how was the word "Church" used in the New Testament?
Hopefully, we can find ours in there somewhere!
In Acts 19:39, 41 the word church refers to a group composed of heathen people whose reason for assembling was to exercise a political privilege. The citizens of this free city had the right to meet in a legislative assembly, which they did three times a month. But this occasion was an illegal assembly on which Rome would not look kindly; hence the town clerk's urgency to dismiss the people.
Nope, not our church here!
Here in Acts 7:38 the group were Israelites assembled to receive God's Law through Moses. The spiritual character of this group was mixed—some personally and individually rightly related to God and some not. Of course, all were related to Him in the sense that God had chosen the nation, but this alone did not guarantee the spiritual salvation of each person. This national calling was the reason for the gathering at the base of Mt. Sinai.
Nope again!
How about Ephesians 1:22-23? Here the assembly is the church which is Christ's body. The character of this group is 100 percent regenerated, and the reason for its existence is the baptizing ministry of the Spirit which places those who believe into this body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). This church is universal, including every believer in every place on earth and those who are in heaven (Heb. 12:23). Strictly speaking, the church is not invisible for many of its members are quite visible. A better designation is the universal church.
Bingo, here we are!
Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2 Here are groups of people very much localized—churches in houses. The nature of the people (at least in New Testament times) would have been those who professed to have accepted Christ as Savior. In some instances, those who only professed but who did not possess salvation would have been associated with local churches (1 John 2:19; Rev. 3:20), but to be Christian churches, the people would have had to make a Christian profession.
Where do you find us here?
So what was the focal point or activity of these local churches? One was geographical. Another was that profession of faith in Christ. Another was the practice of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Another was the exercise of group responsibilities, like teaching.
Interesting, at Light of Hope, we have professed Christ as Savior, practice the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We exist to glorify God.
One word helps identify us to others. “Equipping”
Jesus has given gifts to His church …
Ephesians 4:12-13 NASB … for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Next week we will look at the concept of the New Testament Church.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor Mike
(602) 510-5563