EKKLESIA.

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Christ, in one of His statements said, “I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18)

I would not concern myself here with the “type” of church that existed in the Old Testament age, in symbols and figures. The church (MY CHURCH) that Christ referred to in Matthew 16:18, is the New Testament Church, which was born on the day of Pentecost, in Acts chapter 2.This is the first mention of the word “church” in the New Testament.

The Greek word Ekklesia from which the word “church” is derived simply means “called out” or “called out people”.

Taking the New Testament meaning, the word “church” means “called out people is thus composed of believers, who are seated unto Christ and are indwelt in the Holy Spirit. The church is also called the Bride of Christ in Revelation 21:2 & 9

Source: www.resourceumc.org

Taking a look at the passage above, the church Jesus Christ referred to as His church is not a physical structure but a spiritual body. It is a people called out from the world system unto Christ. Christ’s church is built by Himself and He is the Foundation_1 Peter 2:4-8._

It is important to note the word “my church”. Having this in view, it is clear that when Jesus Christ was talking about His Church, He was not referring to any denomination or Church organization. He was simply referring to the “called out” people believers in him. He meant the company of believers. Do you belong to this company? Are you a member of His Church?

You can become one by acknowledging and repenting of your sins and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior John 1:12.

It is a common observation, that whenever we mention the word church or when we speak of going to church, it is the church building people immediately have in mind. In a sense, however, the building, where believers gather for worship may be referred to as a church but it is important to know that, that is not what Jesus Christ meant by “I will build my church".

Source: preachinghelp.org

The church in reference is first and foremost a spiritual Body, built by Jesus Christ Himself. Christ, in another statement, said:

The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, or yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. John 4:21, 23, 24.(KJV)

Looking at this passage carefully, we will see that the emphasis is not on a building or a place or worship but a call on God’s people to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. It is not a matter of the place but how God is worshiped. To lay undue emphasis on a place of worship is not only a mistake but also a manifestation of abject ignorance.

If the above passage of the scripture is true and if there is any thing to go by, it is erroneous for any Christian to think that God has ceased to work with the Church and has now “switched over” to “fellowship centers and groups”.

I consider it a great ignorance for anyone to think that the church has suddenly become a Babylonian Institution, and do not see why believers cannot gather in local assemblies to worship their God in Spirit and in Truth; no matter what names they bear.

I do not claim to have a final authority on this subject, but this is my understanding based on the scriptures. The Spirit of God is the greatest teacher and revealed of God's word.

Source: st-catherines.barnet.sch.uk

Amen.