Back to the Basics 365نموونە

What makes a church different from any other group?

In 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses “...the church of God, which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints...” Acts 2:47 says the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. The church is not just an accidental gathering of people. It is a body of believers called out from the world and joined together in Christ. To be “called out” is to be singled out for a purpose by Jesus Christ.

The word “church” means “assembly”. But this assembly is different because it is set apart or sanctified by God. When we think of church, we should resist defining it by location or culture. The church is characterized by its members, those who have accepted God’s salvation and are gathered together in His name.

In light of that truth, let us live like those who are called out. We gather to worship, grow, and serve together as the people of God. That is what makes the local church different from anything else on earth.