The Church: A Family of Believers, Not a Building
Hebrews 13:1 reminds us to “Let love of the brethren continue.” But what does this mean in the context of the church? Is the church a physical structure, a specific denomination, or something more?
Defining the Church
According to Nelson’s Bible Dictionary, the church refers to “a local assembly of believers as well as the redeemed of all the ages who follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.” This definition encompasses not only local congregations but also the global community of Christians across time and space.
The Church is Not a Building
It’s essential to recognize that the church is not a physical building or a particular name. Rather, it’s the collective body of God’s people, united by their faith in Jesus Christ. Whether you attend a small church or a large one, meet in a grand cathedral or a humble home, God loves and values His entire church equally.
Love Knows No Bounds
Jesus commanded us to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NLT). This love extends beyond the walls of our local churches, embracing all believers regardless of where they gather. We must avoid judging or looking down on others simply because they attend a different church.
A Global Family
As we look forward to the great assembly that will take place after Jesus’ return, let’s remember that we’re part of a vast, global family of believers. We can express our gratitude to God for adopting us into His family and share our excitement about the ultimate reunion of the church.
Reflection
Take a moment to thank God for choosing and adopting you into His family of believers. Share your enthusiasm with Jesus about the upcoming gathering of the church, His bride. By embracing our shared identity as members of the global church, we can foster a deeper sense of unity and love for one another.
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