The Church Part 1
The word church is defined in the dictionary as a building for public worship and also defined as a congregation or assembly of worshippers. The Greek word used in the scriptures that has been translated to the word church is ekklesia (ek-klay-see-ah). Its definition does not include a building for public worship. It is only defined as those who are called out to an assembly or congregation. Therefore the word church when used in the New Testament scriptures. Is describing those who have been called out by the gospel of the Messias Jesus to assemble or congregate in his name. The word church is not used in the Old Testament as it is translated from Hebrew and not Greek. Most commonly the words congregation or assembly are translated in them. To describe those who assembled or congregated during the dispensation of the law of Moses. The main purpose of pointing this out is that nowhere in the New Testament scriptures will you find the Messias Jesus, his Apostles or disciples. Directing anyone to, construct buildings and to provide the finances to do so. This tradition or practice is something that sectarians or religionists have instituted on their own. In the New Testament scriptures the disciples of Jesus Messias mostly assembled or congregated in homes one example would be found in a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the disciples at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 16:19
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
The disciples of Jesus did not consider the church to be a building or edifice for public worship. The scripture clearly states that the church was in their house.
The most common question asked by those that are seeking to worship God. Is which church is the right church? This is very understandable considering how many religious sects claim to know Jesus. And that is the first item to take into account, do they really know Jesus. What that means is, are the teachings of Jesus what they believe and what they do. This is very important as the Messias Jesus told his chosen Apostle Peter that his church. Would be built upon himself the Christ or the Messias the son of God, as the chief corner stone.
Matthew 16:13-18
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that you are John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He said unto them, But whom say you that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Meaning his disciples must know him, they must believe and do what he teaches to be founded upon him.
John 8:31
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed.
All the religions or sects of today have a doctrine or creed that they teach to their followers. The doctrine or creed that they believe and follow originates from the founder. The founder is the man or woman that authored their teachings. They make no effort to hide this fact which is evidenced by the multitude of books and pamphlets used to declare their beliefs. Which are necessary because their teachings are not, the teachings of Jesus as recorded by his chosen Apostles contained in the bible. Any church or religion founded and built on any other teachings would not belong to the Christ or Messias the son of God.
The most common statement made by sectarians and religionists is, it really doesn’t make any difference which church or religion you attend. They all believe in the same God, is this really true? The Messias Jesus teaches that God must be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
John 4:19-23
19 The woman said unto him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and you say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22 You worship you know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
Truth is absolute it cannot be changed such as a mathematical truth like 1+1=2 you cannot make 1+1=3 because it is false and therefore would be a mathematical lie. Truth is also a fact meaning that it is not a lie, theory or something that was imagined. Jesus stated that God must be worshipped in truth, it is something that God requires it is not optional. We can conclude then that since there are literally hundreds of sects or religions all teaching doctrines and creeds that differ from each other. That who ever is not teaching the truth is teaching a lie. We could also conclude that they are not ‘all believing in the same God’. If they were then they would all be teaching, believing and doing the same things. They are teaching, believing and doing their own doctrines and creeds and worshipping their own false creation of God.
Since God must be worshipped in truth it is absolutely essential to learn the truth in order to be built on Jesus. The Apostle John recorded a prayer that Messias Jesus prayed to God his Father just before he was crucified.
John 17:17
17 Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.
This statement made by Jesus in his prayer not only establishes that his words are truth they are also Gods words. It also makes known that it is Gods word that sanctions his worshippers to him. When Jesus the Messias was here on the earth he chose out simple men to be his Apostles. He chose them to be witnesses of not only the great works that he performed while here on earth. He also chose them to record these works and his teachings that are found in the gospels of Jesus the Messias.
John 20:29-31
29 Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.
The words recorded by the chosen Apostles of Jesus the Messias, the son of God have the power to give eternal life. The words recorded by the chosen Apostles of Jesus have the power to build upon the foundation of Jesus the Christ as recorded in his prayer to God just before his crucifixion.
John 17:20-21
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.
In part two of The Church more of what Jesus the Messias revealed will be provided. Please take the time to read it and examine his words.