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t times Christianity can be confusing. When It is where Christians are to be built up and
you start to read the Bible there can be strengthened. The church is where believers become
names of people and places you have never more unified in their knowledge and understanding of
he
A ard before. There will be words that have who God is and what His plans are. The church is used
little to no meaning outside of the world of faith, and by God for Christians to mature and grow into the
then, even more confusing are words that you know, people that God intends them to be. 2
but when they are carried over to Christianity, they
might have an even greater depth of meaning than ever It is in the church where Christians can obey commands
realized before. Knowing that it can at times be such as bear one another's burdens, love one another,
overwhelming, Word on the Street is going back to the honor one another, stir up one another to good works,
basics to tackle common questions. These are questions admonish and correct each other, and speak truth to
that are not only integral for the new believer, but also one another. The church exists for believers to engage
for the seasoned Christian and anyone who is skeptical in one another’s lives in a real way that is going to make
about the Christian faith. They are truths that you never a real difference in each other's lives and for the
move beyond. purposes of Christ.

WHAT IS CHURCH? It is clear that the mission of God is largely dependent
The word church generates images of old brick on the church. Commitment to the church is a necessity
buildings, full of beautiful stained glass, heavy wooden for anyone that seeks to be in God's will and used by
pews, crosses hung on the walls, and pulpits front and Him in their community and beyond. Allowing a church
center. Church has become synonymous with the to fulfill its role in your life requires active engagement
building where traditional religious services take place. and participation. It won't always be easy, but it will
To view church solely this way would be a severe always be worth it.
mistake. The church being perceived as a mere building
is greatly underselling what Jesus and Scripture intend The church of God is a big deal. It is so important that
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the church to be. In the Bible, the word used for church God commands us to not forsake it. It is the one
is describing a unique group of people. The biblical institution that will never fall. In the words of Jesus, "I
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definition of church is a called-out assembly. Whenever will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not
it is used in the Bible it refers to people. Simply put, the prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, ESV). God is behind
church is the people who are transformed and adopted the church. God loves the church because He loves
by God. All Christians are the church. people, not because He is greatly concerned with the
majesty of a building. The church is imperfect people, in
WHY CHURCH? full realization of their need for a savior, gathering
To fully understand what the church is you must also together for training, unity, and accomplishing the
understand its purposes. It is designed to train and mission of Jesus. All of this is done for the glory of God.
equip believers to do what Jesus intended them to do.
1 patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/08/28/what-is-the-bible-definition-of-church-what-is-the-biblical-view-of-church/
2 Ephesians 4:11-14
8 WORD ON THE STREET MAGAZINE 3 Hebrews 10:25