The Church: A Building or People?

    The Church: A Building or People?

Have you ever heard anyone speak of a certain building in this way:  "That is such
a beautiful church"?  In other words, they refer to the building as a church.
 
     In fact, the church is not a building!  In the Bible, the word "church" is never used in reference to a building of wood and stone.  For example, Paul writes to the "church of God at Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:2).  Paul was addressing people.  In Romans 16:16 we read, "the churches of Christ salute you."  These are Christian people greeting others. 
 
     The English word "church" translates a Greek word which means "the called out."  Thus, it means those people who have been called out of sin unto a life of fellowship in Christ.
 
     One is called by the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14).  And one will be lost for eternity if he does not obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).  Have you obeyed the gospel?
 
--Stephen Rook,  preacher 


  


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