We'll See Who Wins :-)

"CHURCH!" This is a unique word, and a unique concept, and unfortunately one that has been abused and misrepresented from what the scripture intended to be understood. The word "church" as used in our English, is a term that actually does not occur in scripture. The word in the scripture in NT Greek is "ekklesia" which means assembly or gathering.  In Mt.16:18, Jesus says that He is going to build HIS assembly - HIS gathering. It is referred to as His body (Eph.5:25) and Jesus is referred to as its head. Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history, almost every time the concept is used in the Bible it refers to a local, visible congregation or body of believers in Christ. It is so significant that Jesus died on the cross for it: “Christ loved the church and gave his life for it” (Eph.5:25). And a Christian not part of a local congregation,  is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural and unscriptural state. Paul states, Eph 2:19  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.."

 It is unfortunate, that man has created a culture of independent individualism that in turn has created many spiritual orphans. Many have become like rabbits, hopping around from one church to another without any identity, accountability, or commitment. Many believe and even teach that it is possible to be a “good Christian” without joining (or even attending) a local congregation. God however, would strongly disagree.  The New Testament scripture and teaching assumes membership of believers in a local congregation. The only Christians not members of a local fellowship were those who had been removed from the fellowship because of gross public sin (1 Cor 5:1-13; Gal.6:1-5). Being part of a local group identifies you as a genuine believer. When we come together in love as a family of believers from different backgrounds, race, and social status, it is a witness to the world (Gal.3:28;  John 17:21).  I can’t claim to follow Christ if I’m not committed to any specific group of disciples. Jesus stated, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (Jn.13:25)." 

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Many say they've stopped attending church because of an experience in their past. There are hypocrites, teachings that are incorrect, politics and much more that exist. "I don't need the church, all I need is Jesus," they say. And, in some ways we might even feel that this statement is justified.  Yet, this is not what Jesus taught, nor is it what the scripture describes.  Paul had issues with many, yet it did not sway him from seeking to "to join the disciples(Acts 9:26)."  Neither should it hinder us. This is the means that Jesus has chosen for His body to grow, and you are included in that equation. For you to exclude yourself, is to exclude yourself from God's will. If you don't believe me in this article, then I challenge you to take the scriptures mentioned above plus more and argue with God about it.  We'll see who wins then :-)

Jim

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