In our devotion today I would like to share a few things pertaining to the church before we begin reading about Jesus’ Revelation to the seven churches of this letter. If you hear the word “church,” what comes to your mind? Do you think of a building? Or maybe your thoughts are of a place to meet people, or a place to sing? Maybe when you think about “church” you think of how many hypocrites are there on any given day. Maybe you think it is a building full of self-righteous, self-loving people. But, the Church is not made up of people who believe they are better than others, it is made up of those who realize that they have sinned, and are now pressing on to the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-16).
The Church is not made up of perfect people, but people who realize they are following a perfect Lord and therefore must do the very best they can (1 Peter 2:18-22) (1 Peter 1:13-16). The Church is not made up of people who never make mistakes, but those who often acknowledge their mistakes and then forsake them (1 John 1:9) (Proverbs 28:13).
When it comes to defining the word “church,” many people have differing views (thoughts) of what it is. Some look a church as a place where they go to sing. Others define it as the “denomination” they just happen to belong to. And of course, some even look to church as a place where they can serve. But the “Church” is the “Ekklessia” – the “called out ones.” Those who have called to faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:22-24) (Ephesians 1:22-23). Are you part of this great organism? Has the LORD called you into His “Ekklessia?” This “Ekklessia” which is referred to in Scripture as……
- The Bride of Christ – (Ephesians 5:22-23)
- The body of Christ – (Ephesians 4:12)
- The Church – (Ephesians 3:21)
- The City of God – (Hebrews 12:22)
- God’s building – (1 Corinthians 3:9)
- The Household of God – (Ephesians 2:19)
- The Temple of God – (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- The Kingdom Of The Son Of His Love – (Colossians 1:13)
It is this “Ekklessia” that Jesus has purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), that He has sanctified (Ephesians 5:26-27), that He has built (Matthew 16:18) (Ephesians 2:20). If you are a part of His church, rejoice and give praise that He has made you part of it.