What is Church?

What does the word 'church' mean in modern English? It can have 3 meanings:

1 - 'The Church' is the worldwide body of all those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

2 - 'A Church is a local congregation of people who believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

3 - 'A church' (lower case C) is a building where a congregation meets.

The word 'church' in the Bible is translated from the Greek word εκκλεσια (ekklesia). Εκκλεσια is derived from words meaning called out but usually means assembly or gathering. As such, it can only take the second meaning above. It is not a building and it does not refer to the global community of believers.

Is Church Important?

It is essential for God's people to meet together to help and encourage each other, especially in these last days as it is going to become more challenging to follow Jesus.

For most people, the only place they will find a place where God's people meet together is in a local church. There are some churches where the members meet together to share problems, celebrate victories, encourage each other and learn more about their new life with Jesus. Unfortunately, there are also some churches where people just come as spectators. There is no opportunity to share problems or victories. They learn little from the sermons and do not develop any form of relationship with Jesus.

In third world countries where being a Christian is illegal, churches do not exist and yet Christianity is growing much faster there than anywhere else. In first world countries, older churches are actually shrinking in membership and many are closing down. So what is wrong?

Nearly all churches operate in a way that is contrary to Scripture. Is this a problem? Personally, I think that totally committed followers of Jesus will flourish in any church. These people are not the problem. Most people who attend church do so out of a sense of duty and because this is the way they have been brought up. Many kids now attend Sunday School as young children but drop out as they get older because they see no reason to remain.

If you are one of the lucky few who attend a church where you are learning about Jesus and connecting with others in the church, you are one of the lucky few. Hold onto what you have. Churches like this are growing in number and also in size but they are still in the minority.

What is Wrong with the Church?

Priesthood

In the Old Testament, the priests stood between God and the people. Only the priests could come into God's presence. Initially, God wanted Israel to be a nation of priests but Israel rebelled, insisting that Moses be their priest. God appointed Aaron and his sons as priests.

In the New Testament, when Jesus died on the cross and the veil of the temple was torn in two, the Old Covenant priesthood was terminated. Now, all believers are part of a royal priesthood and can come into God's presence. It is no longer permissible for people to be priests and to stand between God and men.

If the priest or pastor in the church stands between you and God, does not encourage or even permit direct relationship between you and Jesus then you should consider leaving.

People calling themselves 'father' because they are priests is a total violation of God's Word.

Lack of Repentance

Many churches are full of people living normal lives, just like those who are not believers. The love of Jesus does not flow out of these churches. There is nothing to attract new people into these churches. This is because many churches are 'seeker friendly' churches who do not want to put obstacles in people's way. This again is a violation of God's Word. If you do not repent, membership of a church will not guarantee salvation.

Religion

Many churches, especially the more traditional ones, have a fixed order of service or a liturgy. People come to church to perform a religious duty. They believe that this is what will ensure their salvation.

Entertainment

Many newer churches have a very modern form of service which is entertaining. This entertainment is what keeps people coming back. Praise and worship is an important part of a church service but if it has devolved into entertainment, then it is no longer bringing people into a relationship with God.

Expenses and Upkeep

Giving is an important part of life with Jesus. If we give, God will reward us. Tithing, however, is an Old Covenant principle. Churches preach tithing because they have buildings that must be maintained, staff that must be paid and various other programs to support. Those who work full time for God should be supported by God's people but modern churches now have massive budgets for things that did not exist in Jesus day. In third world countries, none of this exists, so how important is it really? There are denominations that do not pay their pastors and do not have buildings.

Church and the Coming Awakening

In the coming awakening, we live in a world that has moved much further away from God. Knowledge of God's Word has reduced and the traditions of many churches have moved further away from God's Word. The potential for churches to be destroyed by this awakening is enormous. Those coming to Jesus in an awakening will be filled with the Holy Spirit. They will not tolerate the non Biblical traditions that have crept into many mainstream churches. Many in the mainstream churches will not tolerate these newcomers challenging their traditions.

Many prophets are saying that this awakening will take place outside the confines of traditional churches. There are also prophecies that restrictions or prohibitions placed on churches in third world countries will be eased while new restrictions or prohibitions will be placed on churches in first world countries.

There are definitely some churches that will do well in this coming awakening but there are a lot that will not.