What is Church? - Is Christianity for You

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

About 20 years ago, I was in a Bible study with a group of friends. One friend said, "When I was growing up, I never went to church. I didn't even know what church was. I would drive by churches in high school and had no idea what they were or what they were for." 

I'll be honest. I was shocked. I was raised in a church. How could my friend have been so clueless about the nature of church. 

Well, in a post-Christian nation, that position will only increase. 

So, what is church?

Paul writes, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.  For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

We are the church. Those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are the church. It's not a building. The building is just a place where the church meets.

The church is the beautiful result of saving faith. No partiality. No racism. No competing. Simply a group of sinners saved by grace serving our God and King. That is the church.

Reflect: Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.  In your own words, what is the body of Christ? Who makes up that body? What does God give each member? 

Respond:  How does God's grace change how you view the church and its members? How can you serve God with His gifts?

We look forward to your comments and questions below!