The Church
The Church is not a building of physical stones, but it is a spiritual entity, a living body or family that is governed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ of their own free will and built upon the revelation of God that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. For Jesus told Peter that upon this rock, the rock of revelation, "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." [Matthew 16:17-18]. Thus, Jesus Himself is the chief corner stone, and from there the Church is built upon the foundation of the priesthood so that the people might become a spiritual house, a holy temple in the Lord, a habitation of God through the Spirit [Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:1-5].
The Greek word for Church is also a derivative of the word kaleō, which means “to call aloud, utter in a loud voice; to invite.” In other words, the Church, in its simplest form, is a call or invitation for Christians to assemble in one body.
There are two purposes for the Church. First, to gather the body of Christ together that they may become one as they edify one another and provoke each other to good works [Hebrews 10:23-26]. Second, to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature. To do this, the Church must fellowship often with one another and bear one another's burdens [Galatians 6:1-2]. When the people truly become one in Christ and dwell in righteousness, then they grow to have all things common for the purpose of supporting each other and to prosecuting the work.
Scriptures to Consider
Matthew 16:17-18 (KJV)
16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV)
2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV)
4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Acts 2:41-47 (KJV)
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 16:4-5 (KJV)
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
