It cannot be over-emphasized that the Church is not a building, a tent, or a home. On the contrary. The Church is the “Ekklesia,” which literally means a “called out group” or an “Assembly” of “born-again” Christians who have placed their faith in the shed blood, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church is the “body” or the “bride” of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible explains that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
The Bible gives absolute proof that the Church is not a building of any kind. However, a physical structure is required to house the Church where meetings and other spiritual activities are conducted. This is referred to as the “house of God” or the “house of the Lord.” King David said “I was glad when they said to me, “let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psalm122:1). David was referring to the temple in his day.
The local Church plays a significant role in the life of a Christian and also in the community where it serves. Essentially, the primary purpose of the Church is to present the gospel (or good news) that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried. that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). How else can mortal man be made right the holy God. Paul writes: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel , for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes . . . For in it the righteousness of God revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:16,17).
The Church also meets together for fellowship, encouragement, and inspiration through public worship, prayer, Bible study, communion, ministry, and other spiritual activities. These are absolutely essential so that Church members can “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The main objective here is to safeguard believers from error and false teachings and to maintain a lifestyle that glorifies God.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God. which is the church of the living God a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14,15). Here again we see that the Church is that ‘visible body’ of professed Christians collectively called the Church. And as head of the Church, the Lord Jesus is exalted because God has “put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22,23).
God’s sovereign will and divine purposes are accomplished through His Church, which represents Him in the world. Hence, Paul makes it clear that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:11,12). Without the Church, these precious promises would be unknown to mankind.
When people accept Jesus as their personal Savior, they live lives that deny evil and instead practice good deeds in personal holiness until the promised return of their Savior takes place. We have the assurance in God’s word, ”waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous of good works” (Titus 2:13,14).
Since the local Church is established in the community, it has the responsibility of showing God’s love and compassion for the people it serves. For example, some Churches maintain a “food ministry” which provides groceries and like items to the needy. Of course, our Lord is the greatest example of concern, kindness, love, and compassion.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus fed five-thousand people. Apparently the disciples were not pleased with Jesus’ intent, because they suggested that since it was late, Jesus should ”send the crowds away to go in the villages and buy food for themselves.” But the Lord responded, “they need not go away.” And so He provided food for the hungry crowd. “And they all ate and were satisfied” (Matthew 14:15-20). This is a wonderful and practical example for the Church to reach out and assist those in need.
Thank God for Bible-based local Churches that endeavor to meet and assist in the spiritual and temporal needs of the community. God will be honored and glorified. Here is an example of what Paul refers to that Christians are “a people zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).