Go to Church?

I was raised in the Roman Catholic church. Within that church, we had local churches called parishes within a diocese. I was very involved, and the same basic families in our local community were a part of my church upbringing.

When I was in college, I attended a church in the home, and learned a lot of the Bible. One thing I learned was that a “church” was not a building or even a denomination. It was the “called out” of God.

I was very active in this new church I’d found for more than 40 years, and my wife and I were a part of local churches around the world. Like the Catholic church, this group later emphasized that my commitment was to be a lifetime one to this specific man-made organization. But is that a truly Biblical concept? What group does God want us to “hang out” with?

Jesus only mentioned the church twice. The Greek word for “church” in the New Testament is ekklēsia. This word comes from ek (out) and kaleō (to call). This is a group called out. Both of Jesus’ statements give us a clue about what church we are to be with.

Matthew 16:18:
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Jesus told Peter that he would build a “called out” group upon a rock. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone rock and foundation of the Christian church. And Peter was to be a “rock” who would build a foundation in the early days of the church. (Read Acts chapters 1—10 to see how he did this.)

Matthew 18:17:
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Here’s the other thing Jesus told us about a church. If we can’t get along with someone, we should go to them directly, and if they won’t listen, then get two or three others they might listen to (verses 15,16). But if that doesn’t work, get all the local group (those whom they might respect) together, and work it out there. A “church” is where we can resolve problems and get answers in life.

After Jesus rose from the dead and was seated at God’s right hand, God sent His gift of holy spirit on the day of Pentecost. First the twelve apostles, and then thousands of others, were born again of incorruptible seed by the Word of God. They started a new “called out” group of those filled with God’s spirit.

Acts 2:41,47:
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized [into Christ]: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

God added to this called out group those who wanted to be saved through Jesus Christ. Anyone from any background can do this. People of that time were either raised in the Judean religion or they were not. They were “Jews” or “gentiles.” But once they were born again by making the Risen Christ their lord (Romans 10:9,10), they were part of the “called out” group of the body of Christ.

I Corinthians 10:32:
Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.

So what group should YOU be a part of? There are millions of born-again Christians in the body of Christ today. You can decide where and when to fellowship (share fully) with them. You can also be a great example to those who are not born again and enjoy being with them. Perhaps they will believe on Christ and join this universal called-out group. The point is, to go and do what the Father wants us to do. We have only one God, our Father, and only one lord, Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 8:6).

Here are some things to remember:

• We are the body of Christ and members in particular. That is true spiritually. We have the freedom to love and share our lives with whomever we decide to.
• A church does not need a logo, a board of directors, and a tax exempt status to do God’s will. We have seen that when leaders take money from the people in a called-out group, trouble begins. Just let people give where they believe God wants them to.
• Jesus Christ is the head and foundation of the church. We get our marching orders from him, by the gift of holy spirit we’ve received (Christ in you).
• You don’t have to stay in the same church your whole life or for even a whole week. Let God work in you to be with the right people at the best time. My wife and I do this and see great freedom and open doors to serve and give.
• Let all things be done with God’s love. Don’t feel guilted or compelled to attend a group’s meetings or become “active” in their man-made plans. That may be the loving thing to do, but then again it may not. Let the Father work in you to serve our Lord Jesus Christ each day.

Should you go to “church”? We are the called out of God as His children. Let’s just live each day with the freedom to be all that He wants us to be. Love you.