What is the meaning of the word "Church"?

Generally, the term that is translated into the word church is ekklesia. This term means - called out assembly. In the Greek it referred to a lawmaking assembly apart from the civil authority. This is expression is assumed to be fulfilled by the institutional church today. Is this explicitly so? As washed in His blood, redeemed, re-born, followers of Christ, we are the Body of Christ. In scripture, ekklesia- church- always refers to the Body of Christ. This Body is only made up of born-again disciples of Christ. One would have to admit that this description does not apply to all church attenders, or even all church members. The "church" is not a building, a meeting place, a denomination, a 501 (3)c non-profit corporation. It is a group of people. A living, breathing, manifestation of the life of Christ in the world, made of of His people. If one would allow that this is the case then what are the logical implications of that statement. We are commanded to not forsake gathering together. With whom are we to gather together? With the Body of Christ- of course. Does attending a meeting with non- believers fulfill this command? NO. Is church for the saved or unsaved? Given the definition of the church as the Body of Christ- the answer is obvious- the saved. Does this describe your church?? It matters not the rationalization- church is for evangelism, to preach the word so that they might hear and be regenerate, to serve our neighbors, etc. The answer is still- the gathering together is for those that belong to HIM! Can an unsaved person worship God? Again the answer is no. The gospel is foolishness to those that perish. There none righteous- no not one. There are none that seek after [Him]. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Holy, means called out, separate. We are called to be Holy as He is Holy, in the world but not of it. But...but...but...how are we to save sinners??You and the church don't and never will. God saves sinners, in His grace and mercy, not by our best efforts, smooth words, and slick programs. If we cannot correctly identify and differentiate between the church as it is-a man made institution- and the Body of Christ- a holy people sanctified unto Him and His works; how on earth do we expect the world to know the difference? We demonstrate our love of God by obedience to His will, NOT by doing what we think is right in our own minds. If we don't even know how to rightly define church, how will we ever discern what it is that we are supposed to be obedient to?

Truth Seekers Wanted

One the most maturing and difficult times I have had in my walk with God was a time when He led me to make a list of all the things that I thought were true about Him, His Word, and what it meant to be a follower of Christ. God then wanted me to list these beliefs, and categorize them into three classes. First those beliefs that were required or explicitly stated in Scripture, secondly, those beliefs that were based on church tradition, and lastly those beliefs that were a part of my personality- things I wished were true. It was a humbling experience to discover how few of my beliefs were actually stated in Scripture- and therefore definitively true- and all the others that were not. It was a lesson both in humility, and a lesson in grace. God showed me that I needed to test all beliefs/opinions by His Word and measure them to see if they were true. It gave me a measure of my maturity in Christ, i.e. how well I knew the character of God. It also reminded me to be very careful not to ascribe my opinions to God, and to be more diligent in seeking make sure of the truth of my testimony of Him. The lesson in grace I think was even more important. This lesson reminds me during fellowship/discussion, to always be ready to extend grace to a fellow believer who may hold a different opinion than I. It may be a case where one of us has just not grown enough to be ready to know a particular area of truth. God extended me grace when I held some very strong opinions which were in error, I need to do the same. Similarly, any opinion is to be measured by His Word, the totality of Scripture, so that one does not do what is right in one's own eyes, ignoring real truth as revealed by Christ and His Holy Spirit in His Word. God does not change, in Him there is no shadow of turning. His truth does not change, but due to His infinite nature and our finite nature, we will only know in part in this material realm. We grow into the Truth, this is the process of sanctification, being conformed to the image of His Son. As long as any fellowship or discussion is based in a desire to know His truth, Him, and not on defending our opinions- unity will follow. The unity is based on the person hood of God-the very life of Christ in us- not a denominational or doctrinal framework. This is where unity in and of the body of Christ are found.