The Church

Today, I have been reading about the church… Here are some scriptures and thoughts I wrote down from what I read.

THE CHURCH__________________________________________

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. -Ephesians 1:22-23

THE ECCLESIA: the gathering together of the called out people.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation. God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness onto his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9

The Church is the gathering together of those who are “saved” and “called out,” those living in right relationship with God.  If you are a Christian (a Christ Follower) you are apart of The Church. It is impossible to take any other position.

All of you together are Christ’s Body, and each of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27

TWO PARTS TO THE CHURCH:

THE GATHERING: where we can come together to worship together, pray together, and for teaching about the Word of God, and how it applies to our daily lives.

THE COMMUNITY: a place of belonging where people get together (in homes or other places)

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
- Acts 2:42-27

The place of belonging then becomes a place where we find our significance in life by realizing that we have a vital part to play in contributing to God’s rescue plan for humanity, which is His Church.

____THE CHURCH IS GOD’S CENTRAL PLAN FOR HUMANITY___