THE CHURCH

[Berean]

The term church has been attributed with a wide range of meanings, many of which do not align with the teachings of the Scriptures. However, when viewed through the lens of the divine plan, its meaning becomes remarkably straightforward. Some people believe that a stunning building made of marble, stone, or brick, prominently displaying names like “Church of St. Peter,” “Church of the Holy Nazarene,” or “Holy Trinity Church,” represents what the Scriptures mean by ‘church’. This is a misconception. Others interpret the term church as referring to one of the numerous denominational groups present in the Christian community. It has become common to label these divisions as the “Roman Catholic Church,” “Protestant Episcopal Church,” “Methodist Episcopal Church,” “Baptist Church,” or “United Lutheran Church,” among others.

Consequently, many mistakenly conclude that the church is merely an earthly organization or a society of worshipers, or perhaps a collective of individuals focused on ethical, social, or moral reform. In the biblical context, the word church serves as a title rather than a name, referring to any group of devoted followers of the Master, or to all of them collectively. It translates from the Greek term ekklesia, which means ‘a called out’ or ‘chosen class’. The Bible uses this term to describe the dedicated followers of Jesus, identifying them as a group selected to work alongside him in fulfilling God's grand plan of salvation. Those referred to by this term are the individuals foretold in divine prophecy who would partner with the Messiah in his kingdom's mission. Jesus initiated the selection of this group. He told his disciples, “Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:19) Although Jesus did not specifically use the word church or ecclesia here, the essence of his message remains the same—he was affirming their special status.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

The term church has been attributed with a wide range of meanings, many of which do not align with the teachings of the Scriptures. However, when viewed through the lens of the divine plan, its meaning becomes remarkably straightforward. Some people believe that a stunning building made of marble, stone, or brick, prominently displaying names like “Church of St. Peter,” “Church of the Holy Nazarene,” or “Holy Trinity Church,” represents what the Scriptures mean by ‘church’. This is a misconception. Others interpret the term church as referring to one of the numerous denominational groups present in the Christian community. It has become common to label these divisions as the “Roman Catholic Church,” “Protestant Episcopal Church,” “Methodist Episcopal Church,” “Baptist Church,” or “United Lutheran Church,” among others.

Consequently, many mistakenly conclude that the church is merely an earthly organization or a society of worshipers, or perhaps a collective of individuals focused on ethical, social, or moral reform. In the biblical context, the word church serves as a title rather than a name, referring to any group of devoted followers of the Master, or to all of them collectively. It translates from the Greek term ekklesia, which means ‘a called out’ or ‘chosen class’. The Bible uses this term to describe the dedicated followers of Jesus, identifying them as a group selected to work alongside him in fulfilling God's grand plan of salvation. Those referred to by this term are the individuals foretold in divine prophecy who would partner with the Messiah in his kingdom's mission. Jesus initiated the selection of this group. He told his disciples, “Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:19) Although Jesus did not specifically use the word church or ecclesia here, the essence of his message remains the same—he was affirming their special status.

Jesus did use the word church.

Matthew 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.

 

[bro.tan]

Truth oftentimes, to many seems stranger then fiction. Such is the case when it comes, to the observance of God’s 7th Day Sabbath. Each Sunday millions of people attend church services for the purpose of worshiping the Lord. Most not realizing they can’t read one time in the Holy Bible to attend church on the first day of the week Sunday. This is second nature to most requiring no thought. They are simply following the tradition that has been set forth by man. Many believe that New Testament Christians worshiped on Sunday the 1st day of the week, and that the 7th day Sabbath is a Jewish institution, which started with Moses.

We understand that Peter said in 2Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Peter is letting us know that prophecy, from Genesis to Malachi is more surer then the New Testament. Let see how Paul word it in Ephesians 2: 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

So is Paul telling the Gentiles how important the old testament is, and how they have the same laws as Israel do. In the scriptures it's written in Isaiah 8: 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Now any Christian in their right mind wouldn’t dare say that it’s okay to steal, kill or commit adultery or break any of the other seven commandments. But when it comes to the fourth commandment, people avoid it like a plague! They are either uninformed about which day is the Sabbath day of the God of the Bible or they are just following the tradition of religion that was passed down through the family or maybe they have let some preacher give them other excuses for ignoring God’s true day of worship.

The Sabbath Day of the Lord -God of the Bible. (Gen.2:2-5) (v.2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (v.3) And God blessed the seventh day (every seventh day of the week is a blessed and holy day) and sanctified it (it is a day that is separated (sanctified) for a purpose) because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (v.5) “and there was not a man to till the ground.” There was not a Jew, Catholic, Baptist, or Seventh Day Adventist; in fact, there was not a Christian when He constituted the Sabbath Day!

Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3, 10-14) 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

He is the one who rested on the Sabbath day and commanded that you do the same. If you really understood the scriptures you would realize that He was the one who became known as Jesus who gave you the Ten Commandments. So not only did He command you to cease from your work on that day He also commanded you to. (Lev.23:3) “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation;” He said on the Sabbath day that you should also have an holy convocation, which means holy gathering or simply put, go to church. Remember in Acts 7: 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

 

[Berean]

Jesus did use the word church.

Matthew 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.

I was referring to John 15:19, not in general.

 

[Berean]

Truth oftentimes, to many seems stranger then fiction. Such is the case when it comes, to the observance of God’s 7th Day Sabbath. Each Sunday millions of people attend church services for the purpose of worshiping the Lord. Most not realizing they can’t read one time in the Holy Bible to attend church on the first day of the week Sunday. This is second nature to most requiring no thought. They are simply following the tradition that has been set forth by man. Many believe that New Testament Christians worshiped on Sunday the 1st day of the week, and that the 7th day Sabbath is a Jewish institution, which started with Moses.

We understand that Peter said in 2Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Peter is letting us know that prophecy, from Genesis to Malachi is more surer then the New Testament. Let see how Paul word it in Ephesians 2: 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

So is Paul telling the Gentiles how important the old testament is, and how they have the same laws as Israel do. In the scriptures it's written in Isaiah 8: 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Now any Christian in their right mind wouldn’t dare say that it’s okay to steal, kill or commit adultery or break any of the other seven commandments. But when it comes to the fourth commandment, people avoid it like a plague! They are either uninformed about which day is the Sabbath day of the God of the Bible or they are just following the tradition of religion that was passed down through the family or maybe they have let some preacher give them other excuses for ignoring God’s true day of worship.

The Sabbath Day of the Lord -God of the Bible. (Gen.2:2-5) (v.2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (v.3) And God blessed the seventh day (every seventh day of the week is a blessed and holy day) and sanctified it (it is a day that is separated (sanctified) for a purpose) because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (v.5) “and there was not a man to till the ground.” There was not a Jew, Catholic, Baptist, or Seventh Day Adventist; in fact, there was not a Christian when He constituted the Sabbath Day!

Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3, 10-14) 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

He is the one who rested on the Sabbath day and commanded that you do the same. If you really understood the scriptures you would realize that He was the one who became known as Jesus who gave you the Ten Commandments. So not only did He command you to cease from your work on that day He also commanded you to. (Lev.23:3) “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation;” He said on the Sabbath day that you should also have an holy convocation, which means holy gathering or simply put, go to church. Remember in Acts 7: 38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

And this has to do with my initial post ... how?

 

[Behold]

The Bible uses this term to describe the dedicated followers of Jesus,

The Bible does not define the "church" as "dedicated followers of Jesus".

The Bible, and Jesus Himself said that these are "disciples".

The Church, is the "body of Christ"....and that is a born again member of the Spirit of God, as defined as :

1.)""" In Christ
2.) One with God
3.) Temple of the Holy Spirit
4.) Brethren
5.) Child of the Light
6.) Saint
7.) Seated in Heavenly Places ""

You can be a water baptized Disciple of Christ for 75 yrs... and die and go to Hell.

In Fact Christ told "disciples"...>"Depart from me, i never knew you".


So, why didn't Jesus KNOW.. these........"Disciples"?

Its because they were not "BORN AGAIN"... , as once you are born again, you become a "CHRISTian", and that is so much more then a "disciple".

Jesus said..>>"you MUST.. be born again".

 

[Ronald Nolette]

I was referring to John 15:19, not in general.

Well He did not use th eword church, but we know He was referring to the church.

 

[bro.tan]

And this has to do with my initial post ... how?

It's only one Church and that only Church started in the wilderness. Jesus warned us that the road to salvation is straight and narrow and that only a few of us will find it. Many are traveling down the wrong road, which leads to destruction. This is because many of us have heard about salvation but few of us want to do what is necessary to get salvation (many are called but few are chosen).

Just food for thought, peace in Jesus name

 

[Berean]

It's only one Church and that only Church started in the wilderness. Jesus warned us that the road to salvation is straight and narrow and that only a few of us will find it. Many are traveling down the wrong road, which leads to destruction. This is because many of us have heard about salvation but few of us want to do what is necessary to get salvation (many are called but few are chosen).

Just food for thought, peace in Jesus name

That's why it's called a "Little Flock". "Many are called, few are chosen."

 

[Keiw]

The term church has been attributed with a wide range of meanings, many of which do not align with the teachings of the Scriptures. However, when viewed through the lens of the divine plan, its meaning becomes remarkably straightforward. Some people believe that a stunning building made of marble, stone, or brick, prominently displaying names like “Church of St. Peter,” “Church of the Holy Nazarene,” or “Holy Trinity Church,” represents what the Scriptures mean by ‘church’. This is a misconception. Others interpret the term church as referring to one of the numerous denominational groups present in the Christian community. It has become common to label these divisions as the “Roman Catholic Church,” “Protestant Episcopal Church,” “Methodist Episcopal Church,” “Baptist Church,” or “United Lutheran Church,” among others.

Consequently, many mistakenly conclude that the church is merely an earthly organization or a society of worshipers, or perhaps a collective of individuals focused on ethical, social, or moral reform. In the biblical context, the word church serves as a title rather than a name, referring to any group of devoted followers of the Master, or to all of them collectively. It translates from the Greek term ekklesia, which means ‘a called out’ or ‘chosen class’. The Bible uses this term to describe the dedicated followers of Jesus, identifying them as a group selected to work alongside him in fulfilling God's grand plan of salvation. Those referred to by this term are the individuals foretold in divine prophecy who would partner with the Messiah in his kingdom's mission. Jesus initiated the selection of this group. He told his disciples, “Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:19) Although Jesus did not specifically use the word church or ecclesia here, the essence of his message remains the same—he was affirming their special status.

The Greek word translates-congregation, not church as found in the altered translations. And yes a congregation belongs to a earthly religion= the one Jesus started. See Acts 24:5-The sect of the Nazarene= a religion. Paul went around setting up congregations. He as well traveled to Jerusalem to speak to the governing body( apostles-elders) to get truth matters settled, then went to congregations to explain those truths so the one religion could accomplish this=1Cor 1:10= Unity of thought( all of Gods 1 truth) no division. What it is not is a mass of confusion in hundreds of different religions all believing things the other religions do not believe is what the bible is saying, that is a mass of confusion that cannot accomplish 1 Cor 1:10 or John 4:22-24. Jesus is with 1 religion out of the hundreds.

 

[Berean]

It's only one Church and that only Church started in the wilderness. Jesus warned us that the road to salvation is straight and narrow and that only a few of us will find it. Many are traveling down the wrong road, which leads to destruction. This is because many of us have heard about salvation but few of us want to do what is necessary to get salvation (many are called but few are chosen).

Just food for thought, peace in Jesus name

The church is not a particular denomination. It is made up of those who have made a full consecration to the Lord, one here, one there, known ONLY to the Lord.

 

[Berean]

Jesus is with 1 religion out of the hundreds.

and what religion is that?

 

[bro.tan]

The church is not a particular denomination. It is made up of those who have made a full consecration to the Lord, one here, one there, known ONLY to the Lord.

If can, post some scriptures and verse to confirm what you saying. Nevertheless, the bible speaks of only one way to get eternal salvation. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:5,6). The road to eternal salvation starts with knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. God doesn't want us to memorize two or three verses, but instead he left the entire bible so we can learn how to get salvation. If we learn it, believe it and obey it (the bible), salvation will be our reward. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)

 

[Keiw]

and what religion is that?

The one that listens to him-Luke 10--Acts 20:20--What the true followers did back then and now. It does not stop until the end.

 

[Berean]

The one that listens to him-Luke 10--Acts 20:20--What the true followers did back then and now. It does not stop until the end.

Yeah, that doesn't answer my question Keiw. Don't you think that if there IS a TRUE religion out there, that it would be your duty and responsibility to inform everyone here so that we could investigate said religion and join it? So stop beating around the bush and tell us, what is the TRUE religion?

 

[Berean]

If can, post some scriptures and verse to confirm what you saying. Nevertheless, the bible speaks of only one way to get eternal salvation. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:5,6). The road to eternal salvation starts with knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. God doesn't want us to memorize two or three verses, but instead he left the entire bible so we can learn how to get salvation. If we learn it, believe it and obey it (the bible), salvation will be our reward. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)

So let me ask Tan, is salvation hinged on my church affiliation? Must I belong to a particular church denomination and subscribe to all their rules and tenets in order to be saved?

 

[NotTheRock]

The Church, is the "body of Christ"....and that is a born again member of the Spirit of God, as defined as :

Verse(s)?

 

[Keiw]

Yeah, that doesn't answer my question Keiw. Don't you think that if there IS a TRUE religion out there, that it would be your duty and responsibility to inform everyone here so that we could investigate said religion and join it? So stop beating around the bush and tell us, what is the TRUE religion?

You already know my answer.

 

[Berean]

You already know my answer.

Are you ashamed of who or what you are? Tell us!

 

[Keiw]

Are you ashamed of who or what you are? Tell us!

You are probably goading me into being banned, right.