Key Teachings: Church

In today’s English terminology, the word “church” speaks of a building or a place where people of like religious beliefs meet to worship. But a study of the original Greek text shows the word ekklesia in its simplest definition means “the called out ones.” In the secular Greek society the word commonly referred to an assembly of free citizens who were called out from their homes and or places of business to give consideration to matters of public interest, usually for political, humanitarian, or social reasons. Christ differentiates His church from other called out groups with the use of the personal pronoun “my.”

“…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18)

The word ekklesia is used 114 times in the New Testament. Of those references, 110 refer to the “called out ones” of Jesus Christ. This is not just any gathering or assembly of people. It includes those who have been called out from their place of habitation in this world, who have separated themselves unto God and Jesus Christ Himself. They are the free citizens of the heavenly community summoned by the trumpet of the gospel to assemble themselves together for worship and fellowship.

The biblical usage of the word “church” never refers to a building or a house of worship. The church is the people of God that are built together into a spiritual body for God’s habitation. The church meets in a building or house, but it is not a material building itself. The people of God are a spiritual house. You are made a part of the ekklesia through the connection and relationship that you have with God’s children.

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Purpose of the Church
• Stronger through Worship: Where two or three gather, He is in the midst of them. When we come together for corporate worship, we can experience the wonderful, life-changing power of God. Worship is not a spectator sport. Come ready to participate! “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” (Psalms 34:3)

• Broader through Ministry: God wants you to use your time, tithe, and talent for the kingdom of God. At the River, we want to help you discover and develop the gifts God has placed within you. This is also a place to find healing and restoration. We all have trials and struggles in life. With the help of mature believers, we can receive the ministry we need to overcome. “To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12-13) “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

• Larger through Evangelism
We have a purpose and a command while we are on this earth—to tell others about Christ and lead them to salvation. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you...” (Matthew 28:19-20)

• Warmer through Fellowship
We need relationship with other members of the body of Christ. You can encourage and be encouraged by your spiritual brothers and sisters. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Deeper through Discipleship
Every Christian needs mentoring and accountability to grow to spiritual maturity. Once we’ve reached a certain stage in our spiritual walk, God also desires that we mentor and encourage others. Within the body of Christ, you can fulfill that call. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28) “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

Benefits
There are benefits in belonging to the family of God. We hope you will experience the fullness of God’s blessing at River of Life. “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7) “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” (Psalm 34:9) “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

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