What is a Church?
Acts 8:1-8, 12:1-5 and Romans 14:10-23
Something changed when it came to finding a place to worship during the centuries following the death of Christ. The so-called “early church” begins with the testimony of what it calls the church.
But prior to the early church there were several places of worship throughout the Israelite history, whether it was the tent where the Ark of the Covenant was placed or the temple built by Solomon. These places became called House of the Lord where the Holy of Holies was.
As the Jewish people began to spread throughout the region and beyond, ancient Israelites wanted to pray in small temples in their villages.
The Greek word used to describe church in the Bible actually came from the Gentile word that was used to describe a political or community gathering – Ekklesia. The Christian worship took this name and we now know it in English as “church.”
Church was never a place. It was a term for a gathering place for worship. Unlike Jews and their temples, Jesus taught in the open places. He chose venues such as seashores, hills, and in the streets. Although He did teach in the Jewish temples, mostly Jesus spoke to all the people rather than to just the Jews.
Following the death of Jesus Christ, early Christians gathered in homes, tunnels beneath Jerusalem, and wherever they could assemble in safety.
We as modern Christians feel we need some structure to worship in. However, note we can pray, worship, and gather anywhere. Buildings do not impress God. He wants our hearts. For that, nothing we can create will ever replace our hearts as a symbol of our love for Him.
- Pastor Michael Zerkich
Image by: Alaskan Dude
