| What it Truly Means to be 'The Church'
3/2/22
Trust and hope are found in Christ alone, not in ourselves, not in people, not in government,
not in social reform causes, and not in an organizational construct that today is labeled
"the church." The meaning of the label has been gradually redefined by current
cultural standards, the media, cultural Christians, and even by churches seeking
new members. The hope of Christ’s followers must remain only IN the One Himself.
Jesus established His church in the hearts of those who place their faith in Him and believe.
He painted a portrait of His design for the church’s true function and purpose—a plan
whereby the Holy Spirit works through His followers to spread His love through the gospel.
Christ vividly described the eternal purpose of His Kingdom in His Sermon on the Mt.
on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee behind Capernaum, where His earthly
ministry began. Jesus spoke with authority in describing the Kingdom of Heaven,
living out His ‘Golden Rule,’ and building our house on the Rock that is Christ alone.
The church in action was later detailed by Dr. Luke in Acts. That is ‘the church’: His Feet,
His Hands, sharing His love and the gospel, working through His people to sacrificially
minister to each other and to neighbors and strangers across the world—all in the Name,
and by the power of, the One whose Spirit indwells those He has chosen and called
to serve. How beautiful are the hands and feet of the Body of Christ.
Verses to Consider & Carry Out
1 John 3:17-18 (ESV)
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need
and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God
abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word
or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you,
to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine,
even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time
we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then,
while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
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