What is the church? Is it a building? A denomination? Or is it some “spiritual” thing out there?
Let’s see what the Bible says a Church is.
#1 – It is built on the FOUNDATION of JESUS CHRIST
The first mention of Church in the Bible is Matthew 16:18. Jesus is speaking with his disciples and stating who founded the first Church – Jesus Christ himself!
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
#2 – It is an ASSEMBLY
The word Church is the Greek word “EKKLESIA” it is translated: Church, Churches, or assembly.
This Greek word is used over 111 times in the New Testament and had the meaning: “a company of people called out to a specific place for a specific purpose”
Romans 16:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Colossians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Peter 5:13, and Revelation 2: 1, 8, 12, 18 and Revelation 3:1,7 all mention specific cities or regions where the churches were located
#3 – It must be VISIBLE
Paul wrote to these two churches wanting to come and see them.
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
1 Thessalonians 2:17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
#4 – It must be ORGANIZED
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
These verses clearly compare the Church to a body and a house both of which need to be organized to function correctly.
#5 – It must be CONSTITUTED
Members should have gladly received Salvation by Faith in Christ alone, were baptized by immersion, showing the life, death and burial of Christ and be following the Lord’s commands as stated in His Holy Word.
#6 – it must be COMMISSIONED
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.