• Church
    • The English word “church” is translated from the Greek word ekklesia. It simply means “a called-out group.” It does not necessarily have a religious connotation.
    • The Bible uses the word “church” in a universal sense (all saved people everywhere).
      • Ephesians 5:22-27 – The words “church” and “body” are used interchangeably. Church refers to the people who are saved by Christ. The church itself does not do the saving.
      • Matthew 16:16-19 – Jesus was talking about building a saved relationship – not a physical building.
      • Hebrews 12:22-23 – “Church” refers to saved people. We can be alive on earth but have our names enrolled in heaven (as in Luke 10:20).
      • I Thessalonians 4:16 – Even a dead Christian is part of the church in the universal sense.
    • “Church” is also used in a local sense (saved people working together in a congregation).
      • Ephesians 4:4 vs. Romans 16:16 = The word “church” used in different ways.
      • The universal church is composed of Christians – not local churches.
    • Practices of local churches in the New Testament