NBSK6

Day 6

What is “the Church?” The New Testament was originally written in Greek. The Greek word translated into English as “church” is ekklesia (ek-lay-see-a) and was used by the ancient Greeks for the people summoned to a political assembly, so it means “the called-out ones.” The Church consists of those called “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The “visible church” is all those who attend church, whether they are saved or not, while the “invisible church” is all those who are saved and follow Jesus.

The Church is called the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) and is instructed to meet regularly to encourage each other (Hebrews 10:25) and grow in the faith through teaching and fellowship (Acts 2:42). The purpose of the church is to praise God (1 Peter 2:9), to build up and mature individual believers (Ephesians 4:11-15, Colossians 1:28), and to evangelize the world (Mark 16:15).

Every body is made up of parts, including the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14), and every part has its unique function (1 Corinthians 12:17-18). Because you are a member of the Body of Christ, you have a part to play based on the gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6) so you should be used to help the church in its ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your church. Help me to find my place of ministry so that I can help my church fulfill its mission to minister to the community and to the world. Continue to teach me Your ways, Lord, as I submit myself to Jesus Christ. I ask this in His name and for Your glory. Amen.