THE CHURCH is a group of people who believe in the Lord Jesus and receive Him by faith. Some other names we have are The Body, The Bride of Christ, Disciples, Saints, and yes the Church. Do not confuse the word “church” with a building. You must have discernment when reading about the Church body or church building in the bible. The church as a body, started after the Resurrection of Christ in the Book of Acts from the Bible, when the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples and other followers totaling 120 people on Pentecost some 2000+ years ago. Let’s see what The Holy Bible has this to say about the Church.
BIRTH OF THE CHURCH
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
OTHER VERSES THAT DESCRIBE THE CHURCH:
Acts 14:27 - Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Ephesians 5:30 - for we are members of His body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
Acts 20:28 - Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Ephesians 1:22-23 - And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 3:21 - to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Colossians 1:18 - And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:24 - I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church
We believers are so blessed to be a part of Gods own body. Just think about that. Think about how generous God is to even allow that. Thank you Lord that we are a part of you!
Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
