The concept of “church” has been treated by many scholars coming up with different views or ideas. The definitions by these scholars are of different opinions because of how each of them looks at it. Some see the church as the congregation that worships God while some see the church as the building of public worship.
This means the cathedral and diocese in which members gather to worship or serve God. In the New Testament angle, the church is described from the word Greek “ekklesia” meaning the gathering, assembly, or congregation.
This can be interpreted as the body of Christ. It is argued that the real meaning of the church is not the building but the people of God. The church is assumed to be the body of Christ. We are saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Introduction
Our salvation results in calling to the group of the children of God which shaped us to be like Jesus. By the time we are called and abide by his teachings, then we belong to Jesus.
In the church of God, everyone is important and valued because no one can do things separately to achieve unless they like a body. The reading of Romans 16: 5; 1 Corinthians 16: 19; Colossians 4: 15; Philemon 1: 2. As a body (the church), we are held responsible to one another because each individual has one gift or the other to use for the growth of the church.
The Church is the body of Christ.
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12: 4-5).
The meaning of the church goes beyond the building or the cathedral as we usually think of it. It has a deeper meaning. The church is the gathering of children or Christians who share the same thoughts and the same spiritual practices.
The bible recorded that as a body of Christ, we have a common goal and when we share the goals, we form the church. That is why, in the gatherings, there is segregation, separation, caucus, faction, or dirty politics that cannot be called the church. God cannot be moved in such gatherings.
We Christians must take our unity and oneness seriously. Read Ephesians 22: 23; 1 Corinthians 12: 13; Romans 12: 4-5; Colossians 3: 15; Ephesians 4: 15.
The church is a community of God.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Mathew 18: 20) “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3: 9.)
The church can be described as the community of God. The community of God is the count of people who serve God in a particular place. The place may be anywhere at any time.
The Bible recorded that where there is a count of two or three, the church has been established. Once the church has been established, there is God in that community.
Also, where the coworkers are in one unity and one voice for spiritual exercise, the church has been established, and God is there. Read more Mathew 18: 16-20; 1 Peter 4: 17; 1 Corinthians.
The church is the temple or worship place.
“Every day continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those were being saved.” (Acts 2: 46-47).
The church can also be described as a temple or worship building/place where people or members gather to worship God. Jesus also recognized certain places such as temples, synagogues, etc. as the holy places to serve and worship God, meeting people and multitude to meet their needs.
That is why, Jesus was annoyed with the people who transact business in the synagogue during his ministry. The church is a separate holy place to meet God for spiritual exercises. Read more Galatians 1: 13; 1 Timothy 3: 5; 1 Corinthians 15: 9; 1 Corinthians 112; 22.
The church is our hearts and bodies.
“Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? (1 Corinthians 3: 16). “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3: 15).
Our body has been described as the holy place, temple, and image of God. We recognized it as the first criterion that God looks at to accept our services and worship. If our services or our worship are not acceptable before God, that is, our inner church is faulty.
If our inner church, which is our bodies and hearts is holy and accepted by God, then the place of worship will be acceptable. All Christians should see their bodies as the first church to care for. Also, we must do away with things that will destroy the temple of God. Read more 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17; Colossians 3: 16.
The church is an agreed-consecrated place.
“Now to him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and Christ Jesus through all generations, forever and ever!” (Ephesians 3: 20-21).
Depending on the denomination, there is a particular place the members of which have agreed to worship or serve God. The agreed place may be on the valleys, on the mountains, on the lands, and so on. Wherever it is does not matter, but the agreement of the members to meet in that place.
Once it is agreed to call the place a church, it has become a church. The church building or place does not drop from the sky, it is created by the members of the church and the place will be consecrated; that is, it will be treated as a holy place. Read more Ephesians 3: 20-21; Acts 9: 31; James 5: 14-15.
The church is a Christian fellowship.
“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1: 9). They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.” (Acts 2: 42).
Another way to describe the church is fellowship. The fellowship is a congregation of small members gatherings to worship God and other spiritual rites. The fellowships of God are many in our school campuses among the students. The students will gather to worship and serve God.
The fellowship is led by the students. Most of the time, the fellowship may grow up to the church where pastors or pastors may be called into service there. Read more 1 Corinthians 1: 9; Acts 2: 42; 1 Corinthians 11: 16.
Conclusion
We have made clear for researchers, readers, and all Christians what the church is likely to be. The church has different meanings to different people.
Whether the church is a congregation, assembly, fellowship, community, building, the body of Christ, or other meanings. The essence of this article is to solidify unity and oneness. By being in unity we can achieve tremendously and we can be the church that God recognizes. Read related posts on our church ministry page of the site.
