Have you ever heard someone say: “I am the Church!” I remember when this was a very popular buzz phrase back in the 1970’s when the Jesus Movement was transforming the Christian landscape. People began to realize that the church is not a building with four walls and stained glass windows. The Church is a living building made of people, “living stones,” from all around the globe.
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22 NKJV).
“But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16 NKJV).
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NKJV).
“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5 NKJV).
Not merely “going” to church, but “being” the church is a truth that revolutionized many in the 70’s and still does today. It transitioned many traditional “Sunday Christians” into a passionate people in love with Jesus Christ in an ”every-day” relationship. It transformed “church-goers” into “church be-ers”, and “pew-warmers” into ”fired-up players” on the field! Evangelism is no longer about merely bringing someone to a church service at a church building; rather, it is about bringing the “church” and the Gospel message to the people outside of the four walls.
Nevertheless, there may be an element of inaccuracy in declaring,
“I am the church.”
Nevertheless, there may be an element of inaccuracy in declaring, “I am the church.” In fact, it can actually lead to a very wrong conclusion. Therefore, as with all things claiming the name of “Christianity,” we must carefully study the whole Word of God. The Bible is the true “litmus” test for carefully discerning if a doctrine, concept, phrase, or ideology is false or not. And, yes, this is extremely important! Just take a look at how fiercely Paul defended the Gospel and God’s Word:
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9 ESV).
We must always remember that a cake may have all the correct ingredients, but slip in one poisonous ingredient, and that beautiful cake becomes deadly! Teachings which do not agree with God’s Word are false and must be avoided like a contagious disease. This is how Paul warned Timothy:
“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV).
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).
“That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14).
Without doubt, the careful study of God’s Word, the Bible, is one of the highest responsibilities of the child of God who wants to grow and mature in Christ.
Now, first of all, let’s give the benefit of the doubt to the person using the phrase: “I am the church.”
Now, first of all, let’s give the benefit of the doubt to the person using the phrase: “I am the church.” They may simply be referring to the fact that, in the New Testament, the born again, Spirit-filled child of God’s body is referred to as the “temple of the Holy Spirit” because God by His Spirit is now indwelling them. Before coming to Christ, we had “no hope” and were “without God” (Eph 2:11-13). Once born again and adopted into God’s family (John 1:12-13; John 3:3; Eph 1:3-7), our bodies now belong to God.
In the Old Testament, we read about Moses’ Tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), David’s Tabernacle (2 Samuel 6:12-17; Acts 15:16), Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:1-37; 8:10-13), and even Zerubbabel’s Temple (Ezra 5; Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 4:6-9). These were specific buildings which God filled with His presence and Shekinah Glory. Now in the New Testament, God lives and dwells within the believer. This is a wonderful truth!
In Romans 6, Paul explains that Water Baptism is the commencement of a life where we present the members of our bodies to God as “instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:1-13), and our body is to be used for God’s glory. This fundamental truth that the Christian’s body is the “temple of the Holy Spirit” carries with it some very important responsibilities:
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV).
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV).
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers… For what…communion has light with darkness? And what…agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthains 6:14-18 NKJV).
As you can see, these are some very strong Scripture passages indeed! They reveal a marvelous New Testament truth and the child of God who seriously takes up this responsibility of living an upright and godly life can absolutely declare with great boldness: “Yes, I am a Temple of God. My body has been bought with a price. My life belongs to Jesus!”
In staying loyal to Scripture, it would be more accurate to say, “My body is God’s temple,” instead of saying, “I am the church.” This fact will become very obvious as we uncover the Biblical meaning of the word “church.”
The Greek word for “church” that is used in the New Testament is “ekklesia” which means “the gathering together or assembly of people.” Therefore, when someone declares, “I am the church,” they are literally saying, “I am the ‘assembly of people’!” How silly that sounds, right? In fact, it would be just like one of the players of an NFL football team going on TV after winning the Super Bowl and declaring: “I am the team!” When we think about it that way, doesn’t it actually sound quite prideful and arrogant? Just imagine how the coach and other players on the team would feel! That player’s career would definitely be in jeopardy.
Unfortunately, some people use this phrase to make this erroneous declaration: “I don’t go to church. I don’t belong to a church. I am the church!”
Unfortunately, some people use this phrase to make this erroneous declaration:
“I don’t go to church. I don’t belong to a church. I am the church!”
This expression of independence is absolutely contrary to God’s heart for His people as revealed in the Bible! Let’s take a good long look at the Biblical view of church. Lots of Scriptures are quoted here on purpose, so please read them thoroughly. Remember: the one and only testing stone is God’s Word.
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this Word [God’s Word, the Bible!], it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20 NKJV).
The New Testament concept of church is a local, geographically-oriented, regular gathering or assembly of people – a people who are deeply agreed, loyal to each other. and in pursuit of missional advance under an organized and defined governmental leadership. This leadership may be defined in Biblical terms as apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, overseers, elders, and deacons. Even though the size of a local church and the style of those gatherings is not specified, it is quite obvious that a church gathering is more than a few believers sitting around a table at the local cafe, chatting, drinking coffee, and having fellowship. In fact, in the New Testament Account, local churches were at least of sufficient size and substance where some type of leadership was necessitated. Look at these examples:
“So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed” (Acts 14:23 NKJV).
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination” (Titus 1:5-6 ESV).
Although there are no specifics on the details of church governance, the involvement of leadership within each local church is seen throughout the New Testament. It is easily understood that a church is a well-defined local group versus a loosely defined larger group of people (who, for the most part, do not even know each other).
The “church,” then, is the local body of believers who work, serve, live in fellowship (“breaking bread from house to house” – see Acts 2:41-47), in loyalty, and in accountability to one to another and to the leaders God raises up in these individual assemblies. This is independence — the exact opposite of individualism and independence!
All of this fits perfectly hand-in-hand with the many teachings Jesus gave His disciples. He told them to be united and committed to each other, and also to love and serve one another with this evangelistic goal: when the world observes this unity and love, they will firstly, recognize them as Jesus’ disciples and, secondly, they will believe God sent Jesus. It is very curious that the specific “love” Jesus is talking about is not love that a Christian shows to a non-Christian (which of course they should do!). Rather, it is “love” that Christians show towards each other! This, again, requires interdependence.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35 NASB).
“That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me… I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me…” (John 17:21,23 NASB).
Being united and loving one another requires interdependence which is only possible within a group of people that are geographically close, connected in tangible ways, and who are loyal and dedicated to one another just like the members of our physical bodies need each other to function efficiently.
Can a single person be interdependent with himself? How absurd! We desperately need each other for this to be visible to the world.
Can a single person be interdependent with himself? How absurd! We desperately need each other for this to be visible to the world. Paul’s explanation to the Corinthian church about the Body of Christ is an exquisite passage of Scripture portrays this amazing interdependence, servitude, honor, and loyalty – something which can only exist in real time within a local church group of believers.
Please take time to enjoy the colorful imagery that the Holy Spirit authors in this passage. Notice how it is all tied into a description of specific leadership ministries listed at the end. It would be an unnecessary strain on Scriptural context to imagine this kind of interdependence existing among people who choose independence by not associating, by not being submitted, and by not being accountable to a local gathering and its leadership:
For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14-28 ESV).
In the New Testament (our “church handbook”), it is evident that regular and habitual attendance at the local church was clearly expected:
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NASB).
This local gathering of believers sing, worship and pray together with the goal of mutually “building up” one another:
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV).
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:17-21 ESV).
Genuine accountability requires humility and deep appreciation for the exhortations and even the corrections offered especially by those designated as leaders and overseers.
The local church is a group of people also called out to be lovingly accountable to each other. Genuine accountability requires humility and deep appreciation for the exhortations and even the corrections offered especially by those designated as leaders and overseers. To remove accountability and submission to local church leadership would mean erasing quite a lot of Scriptures from the Bible. Here are just a few examples:
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV).
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money…” (1 Timothy 3:1-3 ESV).
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 ESV).
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7 ESV).
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17 ESV).
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV).
Having read all of these Scriptures (and there are many more), how could it ever be possible for someone to declare: “I am the church,” and use that phrase to explain why they choose to live independently without accountability to any local church or leadership?
In Acts, we read where Paul gathered the Ephesian church elders together to give them a very strong exhortation as leaders of their church. Paul warned them to be prepared against those that would teach false and deceptive doctrines that do not conform with God’s Word. Notice also in this passage, that Paul ends his exhortation by “commending” (committing) them to the Word of God. How important it is to be fully “committed” to studying, memorizing, respecting, delighting in, cherishing, and sincerely admiring God’s Holy Word:
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:26-32 ESV).
We would all do well to heed Paul’s final warning to the church in Rome and also rejoice in his promise of victory:
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Romans 16:17-20 NASB).
As a final, but very vital thought, we must see how, on specific occasions, the word “ekklesia” refers corporately to all born again believers.
As a final, but very vital thought, we must see how, on specific occasions, the word “ekklesia” (Church often with a capital “C”) refers to all born again believers. This includes Spirit-filled believers from the commencement of the Church on the day of Pentecost (See Acts 2) until the Church Age ends with the Rapture when those “in Christ” are caught up (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Here are some examples:
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock [Jesus pointing to Himself, not Peter] I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 KJV).
“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His Body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23 NKJV).
“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery… To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:9-11 KJV).
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV).
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for Her, that He might sanctify and cleanse Her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present Her to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish… This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:25-32 NKJV).
“And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:17-18 NKJV).
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the City of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:22-23 NKJV).
Paul refers to the corporate Church as the glorious “Bride of Christ.” John confirms this in his prophetic vision of the marriage between the Lamb of God [Christ] and His Wife [the Church]. Later, John sees the Lamb’s Wife as the glorious, eternal City of New Jerusalem (see Revelation 19:7-8 and Revelation chapters 21 and 22). At the conclusion of Revelation, John then hears these precious words:
“And the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’” (Revelation 22:17 NKJV).
Herein exists another important truth: Being part of this Church, the “Bride of Christ,” most assuredly involves being interdependently connected with a local body of believers. It is so vital to understand these Biblical truths as we draw near to that Final Day.
It is evident in the New Testament that God’s attention is focused directly on one big Final Event and this Event has everything to do with the Church!
It is evident in the New Testament that God’s attention is focused directly on one big Final Event and this Event has everything to do with the Church! This Event is the moment when His only Son, Jesus Christ, comes to rapture up His Glorious Bride, the Church, “in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). Not the angels, nor even God’s Son, Jesus, knows the day nor the hour of that Event.
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:32-33 ESV).
Jesus loves the Church and wants His Bride to be ready when He returns!
Satan “knows he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12), and in his rage he is doing all he can to bring confusion among God’s precious people by dividing the churches in order to hinder the work of God.
Now is time to become more united, committed, and even more devoted to knowing God’s Word so we may steer clear from the growing deception in these last days before Christ returns. More than ever before, we need to be united as His Church, and united in our local church so that we can demonstrate to the world around us that God sent His Son, Jesus. Peter says, that by doing this we can “hasten” the coming of that Final Event:
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise… but is patient… not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief… What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God…?” (2 Peter 3:8-12 ESV).
The Spirit and the Bride (the Church!) say, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!” Amen!
