For today’s editorial I’d like to talk for a few moments about “church” as in The Church. We’re all familiar with the word “church,” even those who don’t attend any church services and don’t believe it necessary for anyone else to do so. But, to many people’s knowledge, the word “church” is merely referring to a building, a structure.
In the New Testament, the Greek word translated into the English word “church” is “ekklesia” which means “a called out body of people.” It has nothing to do with a building, no matter how many steeples or stained glass windows it possesses. It’s talking about people, or better said, a certain group of people.
Thus, in the New Testament, this “called out” group of people are known as Christians. A perfect scriptural reference to this is found in 1Pet. 2:9 where we read: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Another word we find used in The Gospel that refers to “the church” is “kingdom.” (Matthew 16:18-19). There’s a reason the word “kingdom” relates to “the church” and it’s to show the type of government found there. I know this may come as a shock to many people but, “the church” is not a democracy. It is a monarchy with Christ being the monarch. The head over “all things to the church.” (Eph. 1:22)
The “church,” therefore being a “kingdom” means that we, its members, are subjects of that “kingdom” and as such, are to be obedient to our King. You can verify this by reading Heb. 5:8-9. And Christ, being the King, the “head of the church,” simply means that He sets the rules and if we want to remain among His subjects, the “called out,” then we must obey them. In other words, He sets the standards of membership in His “kingdom.”
Another interesting thing about Christ’s “kingdom” that differentiates it from man-led kingdoms is that it doesn’t have what’s commonly referred to as aristocracy. If He is the “head” that makes everyone else in the “kingdom” just a “subject.” There are no “higher orders” or “lower orders” or maybe better said, no “first or second class citizens.” We are all just Christians.
But, do you know what else “the church” is described as being in The Word? Yes, it’s the “called out,” the “kingdom” but, it’s also a “family.” When we’re faithful members of “the church” we are “children of God.” (Gal. 3:26) We are all brothers and sisters with each other in the “family” of God. (Matt. 23:8)
This word “family” really carries with it a lot of meaning. IE: we have responsibilities towards each other in our spiritual family just like we do in our earthly families. If you were to ask me what those responsibilities are I’d direct you to read Galatians 6:2 where it says “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” That simply means that we are to help each other overcome those things that beset us. To be there to provide strength and comfort to our “family” members.
Consulting the doctor- viagra store in india It is sad that how money has taken power over emotions and other sensitive issues of life. Precautions supplied while using medicine stress until this drugs are for wealthy sufferers and generic drugs are for the browse around for more now sildenafil generic canada less-privileged. Apart from them many antidepressants generic sale viagra and antipsychotic drugs cause impotence. It stimulates the buy cialis line pituitary gland to release HGH and boost the testosterone. In case you’re wondering what “fulfilling the law of Christ” has to do with “bearing one another’s burdens” allow me to say that Paul (the writer of Galatians) is just reminding us of the basic cornerstone of His “church.” That His followers Nr. 1 “…love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.” And 2nd: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Also on this subject, John adds these words of Jesus in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Love is the basis for all our familial responsibilities.
The Gospel also portrays “the church” as being the bride of Christ. This picture can be very adequately seen in Eph. 5:23-32. This shows us the intimate relationship of Christ and His “church” and the degree of loyalty, devotion and love that He expects from it.
I guess that one could say that “the church” is also like a school because Christ’s followers are called “disciples.” (Acts 11:26 and from a Greek word meaning “learners” or “pupils”) Christ, being the “head” the “bridegroom” of “the church” is also it’s “teacher.” Plus, as His students, His “disciples” we have a text book – the Bible. Or, as stated by the apostle Paul, the “word of truth.” (2Tim. 2:15) The study of this text book and the knowledge gained from it is all that we need to stay a faithful subject in His “kingdom.” (2Tim. 3:16-17)
When we pause to think about why Christ is the “head” of “the church” the answer is very simple – he “purchased” it. And Acts 20:28 tells us what He paid for it – “with His own blood.” At the moment He bled and died on the cross “the church” became a reality and the only way by which mankind can attain salvation for their souls.
Here’s another interesting thought for you to consider as we bring this lesson to a close. I don’t know if you’ve thought of it this way but, “the church” cannot save anyone. It is Jesus Christ that saves us and “adds” us to His “church.” (Acts 2:47 and 5:14) Thus, “the church” is simply a body of people who Christ has saved. (Eph. 5:23)
This little lesson was just designed to remind us of what an exclusive and inclusive “body” of the “called out” truly is. In short, it is the single-most organization or entity that we can be members of because it is the only “body” ruled by Christ. The only “body” through which faithful membership rewards its members with eternal life. We need to always be striving to increase our “family” numbers.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Covey
