The Church Is Not the Building

The church is not the building,
The church is not the steeple,
The church is very simply,
God’s very own chosen people.

In the world today, there is as much confusion over the subject of the church as any subject. By the way the word “church” is often used one would think the church is merely the building. Others might think that a period of worship is the church.

However, the Bible is clear: the church is God’s people. In Acts 8:1 it is recorded that “there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem.” But in Acts 9:1 the persecution of Saul was against the “disciples of the Lord.” This persecution was not directed toward a building; rather, it was “men and women” who were of “this way” that were persecuted. Consequently, the men and women who are “disciples of the Lord” are the church. It is for this reason that Luke calls the church “they” (a pronoun for a people) instead of an “it” (Acts 8:1). Simply put, God’s people, Christians (Acts 11:26) are the church.

In the New Testament the church is referred to in a variety of ways. We read of the Kingdom (Matt. 16:18,19; Col. 1:13); the church of God (I Cor. 1:2); churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16); and just simply “body.” Each of these terms, as well as others, denote God’s people, the church. That “the body” is the church is clearly seen in Eph. 1:22—23, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” But the body is clearly the “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (I Cor. 1:2) — or Christians, God’s people. Paul said, “Now ye are the body of Christ” (I Cor. 12:27) and “So we, being many, are one body in Christ” (Rom. 12:5). Yes, the church, the -body, are a people — the people of God.

From this perspective it becomes important to be a part of, a member of, the church, doesn’t it? If the church is God’s people (and it is) I WANT TO BE A PART OF THE CHURCH! You see, I want to be a part of God’s people. I want to belong to Him; to be His; to be of His possession.

No, you do not join a church of your choice! Rather, the Lord adds you to His church. In Acts 2 Peter had preached the gospel to a large gathering on the Day of Pentecost. His message was summarized in verse 36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:37,38). Verse 41 tells us that about 3,000 were baptized that day and “added unto them.” Then in verse 47 we read, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

What a wonderful thing! When I repent of my sins and am baptized for the remission of my sins the Lord adds me to the church; the Lord makes me a part of His people. Are you ready to obey the Lord?

– Steve Housley