WHAT IS A CHURCH?
Baptists have constantly debated the meaning of the
word "church", or assembly, for the last century. Their debate, I
fear, has done much harm to the kingdom of our Lord and to the honor of His
name. A
Every true local assembly is a miniature of the church
universal, as described by Paul in Ephesians chapter 2, verses 11-22. A true
church is a "habitation of God through the Spirit". It is important
that we as believers be properly immersed, observe the Lord's Supper, and hold
to a sound creed. But, this is the question of great concern, "Are we a
habitation of God?" If not, all these other things are mere vanities of
religious ritualism!
A church is a family, united by the blood of Christ.
A church is a body, with Christ as its head. A church is a kingdom, under the
dominion of Christ. A church is a brotherhood, established in the love of
Christ. A church is a temple, built upon Christ, the foundation of the Apostles
and Prophets.
It is our desire that the Savior's promise will be
constantly fulfilled to us as a church of Christ - "Where two or three are
gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Christ's presence
is the one thing we must have! Are we a habitation of God through the Spirit?
Let us walk in love, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace." Let us be careful that we "Grieve not the Holy Spirit
of God, whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption."