In these verses we are introduced to the term church. In the Greek, the term is ecclesia means a called-out assembly. But the New Testament use of ecclesia has a unique and distinct meaning. Although there are a few NT references where the word church is used in a generic way, it is almost always used in referring to an assembly of believers who meet for fellowship and worship. Many people today confuse the local body of believers who make up a specific congregation with a nebulous, universal concept of church.
Our goal this week is to look at the local, visible NT Church and determine the NT usage of the term in contrast to some people’s acceptance of a universal church. Some people do not recognize a distinction between the two uses of the term. Historic Baptists have championed the concept that a church cannot be a NT Church unless its members assemble and meet together.
Upon reflection, answer the following questions:
- What is your initial opinion of this discussion between a local NT Church and an identification with all believers on the planet being the church?
- What is your opinion about which argument has the most Biblical foundation?
- What do you think other groups that call themselves Christians believe about the word church?
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