Church 101

 

CHURCH 101      January 5, 2022

Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And, I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 

Matthew 16:18-19

What is a church?

A play song taught to children years ago asks them to

fold their hands together with their index fingers pointed up. “This is the church and this is steeple; open the doors and where are the people?” The child was then to interlock their fingers backwards. The verse then was “This is the church and this is the steeple, open the doors and THERE’S all the people.”  So what is a church?

A church is a gathering of people whose focus is on God. If a Christian church, the emphasis is not only on God as Creator, but also on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. When the people gather together it is a time of worshiping God because He made us and all that there is. Through music, hearing passages from the Bible being read, and a ‘talk’ or sermon by a biblical speaker, what is shared is a time of learning, growing and experiencing God’s presence.

The church is also be known as the building where people gather for the purpose of worship and Christian education as well as sharing in outreach to others.  The Christian church started when Jesus told Simon Peter that he would establish the church. At that time, churches were house churches. They were gatherings of people who met in houses to pray, eat and hear the stories of Jesus. These stories would include his teachings, healings and the story of his death and resurrection. These house churches grew and eventually special buildings were constructed or the purpose of worship and praise to God.

Churches have evolved since that time. Some are huge almost like stadiums; others are small hosting small groups. But, each has as its focus, Jesus Christ and His gift and promise of eternal life. A Christian church should teach about Jesus’ way of love and life. The church should also inform its members on why and how we may follow Christ in what we say and do living in the 21^st century.

So what does “church” mean to you? Is it a place filled with good thoughts; memories of the deaths of loved ones, good food and friendships, or is a church something you need to learn about?

As we continue in these Blogs in 2022—we will explore many concepts, questions and understandings of what church is and can mean for you!

PRAYER: God of grace, we thank you that you established Christ’s church through Peter. Help us to understand what this is as the church in the 21^st century continues to change and evolve. Bless us we pray as we strive to worship you in faith and with hope. Amen.