Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin The term "church" in the New Testament is derived from the Greek word "ekklesia," which means "assembly" or "called-out ones." It refers to the gathering of believers in Jesus Christ. The concept of the church is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, serving as the body of Christ on earth. Biblical Foundation The foundation of the church is laid by Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 16:18 , Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This statement underscores the divine origin and enduring nature of the church. The Early Church The early church began at Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel. Acts 2:42 describes the early church's activities: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This verse highlights the core practices of teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Structure and Leadership The New Testament outlines a structure for church leadership, including roles such as elders, overseers, and deacons. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9, qualifications for these leaders are detailed, emphasizing character and ability to teach. The apostles, particularly Paul, played a significant role in establishing churches and appointing leaders. The Church as the Body of Christ The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , he writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." This imagery emphasizes unity and diversity within the church, with each member playing a vital role. The Purpose of the Church The church exists to glorify God, edify believers, and evangelize the world. Ephesians 4:11-13 states, "And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage highlights the church's role in spiritual growth and mission. Worship and Sacraments Worship in the church includes prayer, singing, preaching, and the administration of sacraments such as baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward faith, as seen in Acts 2:38 : "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'" The Lord's Supper, or communion, is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Challenges and Perseverance Throughout history, the church has faced persecution and internal challenges. Jesus warned of such trials in John 16:33 : "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." Despite these challenges, the church is called to remain faithful and steadfast. The Universal and Local Church The New Testament distinguishes between the universal church, comprising all believers worldwide, and local congregations. The universal church is the collective body of Christ, while local churches are individual assemblies of believers. Paul addresses local churches in his epistles, providing guidance and instruction specific to their contexts. Eschatological Hope The church looks forward to the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. Revelation 19:7 speaks of the church as the bride of Christ: "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." This eschatological hope motivates the church to live in holiness and anticipation. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHESIt is evident from the contexts of the various Biblical passages in which the word "angel" appears, that the word does not always represent the same idea. In such passages as Daniel 12:1 and Acts 12:15 it would seem that the angel was generally regarded as a superhuman being whose duty it was to guard a nation or an individual, not unlike the jenei of the Arabs. However, in Malachi 2:7, 3:1 (Hebrew) the word is clearly used to represent men. In the New Testament also, there are passages, such as James 2:25 (Greek), in which the word seems to be applied to men. The seven angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) received seven letters, figurative letters, and therefore it would seem that the seven angels are also figurative and may refer to the seven bishops who presided over the seven churches of Asia. Or the angels may be regarded as the personifications of the churches. CHURCHES, ROBBERS OF church'-iz. CHURCHES, SEVEN See ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES. SEVEN CHURCHES See CHURCHES, SEVEN. Greek 32. aggelos -- a messenger, angel ... For example, 32 () in Rev 1:20 can refer to heavenly angels or key leaders (perhaps pastors) of the seven churches. [32 () can refer to "a messenger" (cf. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/32.htm - 8k 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation 2417. hierosulos -- robbing temples 2583. kanon -- a rule, standard Library The Creeds of the Evangelical Protestant Churches Reformed Churches. The Congregational and Christian Churches. Character and Condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was ... Epistles to the Seven Churches. Church Alliances and Federations of Churches. John's Salutation to the Churches. The Churches of the East The Lambeth Quadrilateral and the Free Churches of England. -- The Anglican and Protestant Episcopal Churches and the Orthodox ... Thesaurus Churches (39 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES. ... Or the angels may be regarded as the personifications of the churches. EJ Banks. ... /c/churches.htm - 20k Seven (404 Occurrences) Presbytery (1 Occurrence) Trophimus (3 Occurrences) Deutero-canonical Presbyter Deuterocanonical Galatia (6 Occurrences) Government (20 Occurrences) Tychicus (5 Occurrences) Resources What is the National Council of Churches? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do governments allow churches to be tax-exempt? | GotQuestions.org Are mono-ethnic churches, churches that focus on a specific race or ethnic group, following a biblical model? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Churches (39 Occurrences)Acts 9:31 Acts 15:41 Acts 16:5 Acts 19:37 Romans 16:4 Romans 16:16 1 Corinthians 7:17 1 Corinthians 7:18 1 Corinthians 11:16 1 Corinthians 14:33 1 Corinthians 14:34 1 Corinthians 16:1 1 Corinthians 16:19 2 Corinthians 8:1 2 Corinthians 8:18 2 Corinthians 8:19 2 Corinthians 8:23 2 Corinthians 8:24 2 Corinthians 11:8 2 Corinthians 11:28 2 Corinthians 12:13 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:22 1 Thessalonians 2:14 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Titus 1:5 1 Peter 5:3 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:11 Revelation 1:20 Revelation 2:7 Revelation 2:11 Revelation 2:17 Revelation 2:23 Revelation 2:29 Revelation 3:6 Revelation 3:13 Revelation 3:22 Revelation 22:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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