Hebrews 10:25
The “Church” is the universal body of believers united in Christ through time and space: The holy catholic and apostolic Church The “church” is the local body of believers who live out collective union with Christ in a specific place.
A group of people who confess Christ as Lord A group of people who meet regularly A group which keeps apostolic teaching and practice A group which practices accountability mutually and through elders A group which meets each others’ needs A group which seeks the kingdom together
It is the place God’s Word flows from. It is the sacrament center. It is the discipline/accountability place. It is the place where you learn to love the brethren. It is the mechanism for pairing complementary gifts. It is your home.
The people in church are hypocrites and/or not as serious as me. ◦ Spiritual pride, or pride motivated by fear I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. ◦ “I don’t have to live with my spouse to be married.” I was hurt in my last church. ◦ The Christian life is not about avoiding hurt. I don’t get anything out of church. ◦ You’re doing it wrong.