He first used the word in Matt. 16:18 when He spoke to Peter and
said: "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build
my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it". Jesus
broadened the use of the term to a convocation meaning a group of people
formally assembled for a special purpose. That special purpose would
bring the "Kingdom of God" into their lives.
Simply put, the definition of the word church is, "a group of
Christ-minded people". It is a team that works to try to bring solutions,
help, and hope to distressed humanity. The church is clearly more than a
building. It is all members of the body of Christ, living and dead.
In the first century there were no large buildings with steeples called
churches as we see today. The church (people) met in private homes as is
clearly seen from scriptures such as Romans 16: 3-16. For example, in
Romans 16:5 Paul said concerning Prisca and Aquila, "also greet the
church that is in their house". From Romans chapter 16, one can say that
the word church should be defined as any gathering of people that meet on
a regular basis in Jesus name. The group can be large or small. In Matt.
18:20 Jesus said: "For where two or three have gathered together in my
name, I am there in their midst". The advantage of meeting in a small
group (or house church) is intimacy and a real closeness to God.
Interactive small group structure is important for Christians, as it can
liberate the Saints for ministry and it can create genuine interaction by
participation. Going to church can become a chore if one attends in a
perfunctory fashion, when there is no personal expression or spiritual
interaction. Meeting in a house church creates a family friendly atmosphere
and creates mutual edification which encourages and incites the gathering
of Christians. In other words, when you leave the church gathering you
should "feel ten feet high, you will be hitting your head on the door post
on the way out"!
said: "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build
my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it". Jesus
broadened the use of the term to a convocation meaning a group of people
formally assembled for a special purpose. That special purpose would
bring the "Kingdom of God" into their lives.
Simply put, the definition of the word church is, "a group of
Christ-minded people". It is a team that works to try to bring solutions,
help, and hope to distressed humanity. The church is clearly more than a
building. It is all members of the body of Christ, living and dead.
In the first century there were no large buildings with steeples called
churches as we see today. The church (people) met in private homes as is
clearly seen from scriptures such as Romans 16: 3-16. For example, in
Romans 16:5 Paul said concerning Prisca and Aquila, "also greet the
church that is in their house". From Romans chapter 16, one can say that
the word church should be defined as any gathering of people that meet on
a regular basis in Jesus name. The group can be large or small. In Matt.
18:20 Jesus said: "For where two or three have gathered together in my
name, I am there in their midst". The advantage of meeting in a small
group (or house church) is intimacy and a real closeness to God.
Interactive small group structure is important for Christians, as it can
liberate the Saints for ministry and it can create genuine interaction by
participation. Going to church can become a chore if one attends in a
perfunctory fashion, when there is no personal expression or spiritual
interaction. Meeting in a house church creates a family friendly atmosphere
and creates mutual edification which encourages and incites the gathering
of Christians. In other words, when you leave the church gathering you
should "feel ten feet high, you will be hitting your head on the door post
on the way out"!
Most people think of church as a
building with a steeple. However, the word
church was originally a governmental or
political term (a gathering of called out
ones). Jesus brought a new meaning to the
word church by connecting it with divinity
or Godly.
building with a steeple. However, the word
church was originally a governmental or
political term (a gathering of called out
ones). Jesus brought a new meaning to the
word church by connecting it with divinity
or Godly.
