Church: More Than a Buildingಮಾದರಿ

We are the Church

Big stories often have small beginnings. Larry Bird was a kid from the small town of French Lick, Indiana. At the time Bird was born, the town was approximately 2,000 in population. Yet, somehow, this kid from the middle of nowhere found his way to becoming one of the all-time greatest players in NBA history. Big stories often have small beginnings.

The Bible teaches that God entered human history in the form of a small baby born in a tiny village called Nazareth. But Jesus grew up and began doing incredible miracles as He taught about the Kingdom of God. At God's appointed time, Jesus was crucified and buried in a tomb. Three days later, He came back to life, displaying His power over death. Forty days after that, Jesus ascended into Heaven, leaving the promise of His Holy Spirit to His followers gathered together in an upper room. Finally, in Acts chapter 2, we see it all come together: the promised Spirit of God shows up in a powerful way! Peter starts preaching the Gospel, and over 3,000 people put their faith in Christ!

The church was born in Acts 2:“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” - Acts 2:42-47 (NIV).

In its original language, the word "church" is ecclesia, which means "the assembly" of people. In the Old Testament, the place for worship was a physical building, but now we, God's people, are the church! The moment you choose to follow Jesus, the Spirit of the living God comes and dwells within you! That is why it’s so important for Christians to meet together for worship; we can encourage and build each other up! Now you are the temple of the living God! Jesus says, “...I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” - Matthew 16:18b (ESV). God's church is powerful, not due to the number of people in it, nor chairs in the auditorium or the size of the parking lot, but because His Spirit is in you. You are the church, and you are able to do great things for God! Remember, big stories often have small beginnings!

Reflect

God often starts with small things to accomplish something great — just like He did with Jesus in Nazareth and the early Church in Acts. As believers, we don't just go to a church — we are the Church, filled with God’s Spirit and called to live with purpose, community, and impact.

Respond

What images come to mind when you think of the church? Do you think of a building covered with religious symbols, or do you think about a group of people gathered together under the name of Jesus? Today, begin seeing the church as a group of people to belong to rather than a place to go to.

Pray

Heavenly Father, help me to not just attend church, but to be the church to others who need Your love and encouragement! In Jesus' name I pray, amen.