Message number 18945 in +quot;The Open Bible+quot; Date: 10-28-90 16:05 To: Alan Jennings

Message number 18945 in "The Open Bible"
Date: 10-28-90  16:05
From: Ralph Stokes
To:   Alan Jennings
Subj: About the church


MSGID: 1:363/1611 ae0fe624
 > Ralph, what do you get from the bible to answer the
 > questions:
 >
 > "What is the church?"
There are different "churches" in the scriptures. This is he, that was in the
church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina,
and {with} our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
(Acts 7:38)
Here you find the "church in the wilderness". The context lets us know it was
Israel.
There are also "local churches". (thought the term "local church" is nowhere
used in scripture.)
Likewise {greet} the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:5)
This is an example of a "local church". It may meet in a house that is also a
home, as above, or may meet in a meeting house set aside for that purpose.
 >
 > "What is it's role in today's world?"
It's purpose is to edify the saints of God.  The INDIVIDUAL's purpose is to
evangelize the lost.
 >
 > "Which 'church' is THE 'church'?"
NONE of the local churches are, and NO denomination is. THE church is the
church which is the body of Christ.  A spiritual church.
(Ephesians 1:22-23)
(22) And hath put all {things} under his feet, and gave him {to be} the head
over all {things} to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him
that filleth all in all.
One gets into that church by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. At that
moment, the Spirit of God baptizes him into the church, which is his body.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether {we be} Jews or
Gentiles, whether {we be} bond or free; and have been all made to drink into
one Spirit. (1Corinthians 12:13)
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1Corinthians
12:27)
 >
 > "Why a church? Why not direct link between man and
 > God?"
The church is to edify the saints of God.  It is not, nor ever has been, a
"link between God and men".  The only "link" between God and men is the man
Christ Jesus.
For {there is} one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus; (1Timothy 2:5)
--- FD 1.99c
 * Origin: The King James Bible BBS  Plymouth, Fl. 1-407-880-3823
(1:363/1611)