The Church

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.’” Matthew 16:13-18

The New Testament word of church means “those who have been called out of something.” Church history quickly reveals vivid examples of what these early believers walked away from when they became followers of Christ.

The church was a composite of people from various backgrounds - Judaism, paganism, and various religious cults. The common thread that held them together was their faith in Jesus Christ. Society saw early believers as being peculiar. Paul underscored their differences by reminding them that they were aliens much like Abraham, who obediently left his pagan culture to follow God.

Early believers who denied paganism were refused certain social privileges. Jewish believers were later forbidden access to the temple and were scorned by family members. Through all the external pressures, the church of Christ remained faithful to its calling.

Peter, James, and Paul admonished believers to take heart; the body of Christ was not an outcast without a place of worship. Jesus Christ lived within their hearts, and they were the temples of His holiness.

We are His church. And wherever two or more of us are gathered in His name, He is within our midst (Matt. 18:20).

“...you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” Ephesians 2:19