Married at First Sight

The Christian faith is personal, but it isn’t private. It is personal, but not individualistic. The Christian faith is lived out publicly and in a faith community. We call this faith community the ‘church.’

For many, the word “church” evokes images of old buildings, tall spires, and stained glass windows. But the church is much more than that.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for ‘church’ is ekklesia. An ekklesia was a group of citizens ‘called out’ to assemble for political purposes (DN Schowater). Thus, a church is not the structure or building, but a people. It is the citizens of the Kingdom of God who are called out for kingdom mission and assemble in order to accomplish kingdom purposes.

In the New Testament, the church is also described as a family. It is a community that cares for one another, believes in one another, sharpens one another, encourages one another, and grows and matures with one another. If we are really honest, like a family, the church is also a community where we annoy one another, frustrate one another, and offend one another. There’s dysfunction and imperfection. But what binds together is stronger than what might try to pull us apart. The love of Jesus that fills our hearts and lives overflows, so that it is also a community that bears with one another, is patient with one another, forgives one another, and ultimately loves one another.

If you are a Christ follower, connect yourself into the community of believers: the ekklesia, the family, the church.

Reflection Questions:
How does this challenge or align with how I think and feel about the ‘church’?
How am I currently being the church to others around me?