From a purely doctrinal and linguistic point of view, the church is those called out by God. The word translated church is a word describing a group of purposefully assembled people. But that is not the answer I wanted to share to today’s question.
What is the Church?
According to the writers of the New Covenant as guided by the Holy Spirit the Church is:
- The Bride of Christ – Eph 5:32
- The Household of God – 1 Tim 3:15
- The Body of Christ – Col 1:22-23
- The present Kingdom – Mat 16:18; Col 1:13
Yet, there is more to the concept of the church. The church is:
- People who belong to (are in) Christ.
- People who stand saved by Grace through Faith.
- Imperfect people trying to glorify a perfect God.
- Worshippers of the God of Salvation.
- Sinners Anonymous – well not so anonymous come to think of it.
- People who encourage each other and receive encouragement – Heb 3:13.
- People of Prayer
- People committed to Christ and His mission – Luk 19:10.
Are you in His Church?
– Scott
Driving Thought 
Hello Scott, This was my Sunday sermon topic. I am doing a series. Defining the Word that Define our Faith, Have you read Andy Stanley’s book Deep and Wide. I enjoyed the section where he defined the church. He went back and looked at the word the same way we explain Baptizo and Baptism.
I enjoy your posts. Had lunch with your Brother Sunday and we were talking about you and your lovely lady.
I need to get that book. I would like to see your series of lessons. It sounds like a great series.
I hope Doug was kind when he spoke of me.
Took pencil an paper and wrote what you just said. Now to write in a notebook I bought to learn more. This is an excellent article, I needed and am sure more people need. Thanks for giving us so much to think about.
Gerri, you are such an encouragement to me. I love the fact that you want to learn, that you want to know more and more about the Bible and Christ’s Church. Keep at it!