God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

PART VIII. THE MINISTRY AND WORK OF THE CHURCH LESSON 1: THE CHURCH - BOTH UNIVERSAL AND LOCAL 1. WHAT WAS THE MEANING OF THE WORD "CHURCH" IN BIBLE DAYS? The Greek word "ekklesia" which is translated "church" in our Bibles was not originally a religious term. It referred to the registered voters or citizens of a Greek city; these "called out" ones were the recognized voice of the city's political life. Both Jesus and Paul coined this word for its ready application to men and women who were "called out" of the world to become members of Kingdom of God. Every dedicated follower of the Lord Jesus Christ was thereby considered a part of Christ's Church. Matthew 16:18. 2. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CHRISTIAN CHURCHES TODAY? WHICH IS RIGHT? The true church must be exactly what the Bible declares it to be - as it was interpreted by Jesus and the early apostles. Unfortunately, during the past Church Age there have been many groups whose emphasis has shifted from the literal, dynamic interpretation of the Bible; they became sidetracked on some "special interest" doctrinal interpretation. Often, too, church groups "cool off' in their fervency for God, and they change to become more acceptable in their community's life. We must say, therefore, that the great number of different churches represent the various divergent "off center" interpretations of the Bible as well as various levels of spirituality. 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Hebrews 2:1; 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 18.

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