Church is People

We need to stop saying to one another, "We're going to church" on the Lordsday, and begin saying "We're gathering for worship", and when we meet other Christians for the first time we need to ask them, "Who do you worship with?" and not, "Where do you go to church?".  The Congregation of Christ's redeemed isn't a building, a time, or event; in other words, the Church (people)  isn't "church" (a thing). 

       The New Covenant brought about a substantial change in where God dwells on Earth, and now rather than a stone Temple in Jerusalem, His justified People is/are THE "place" where He dwells by the Spirit.  This is the Family adopted from every nation under Heaven.  We are the Heavenly Temple being built up with stones untouched by human hands (Mark 14.58) who are called to "tabernacle" just as He did (John 1.14) among His unbelieving images bearers until the Master returns.

        So, let me ask you: Is this how you understand reality?  Have you grown dependent on a building, or sermons on the internet to represent Christ in your city?  Do you believe that the Good News of the Son of Man will be heralded by buildings (Old Testament) in your community, or by His living, breathing, mission-driven, Living Stones (New Testament)?  Living Stones dwelling as The Light in even the darkest corners of Creation?

        Scary?  Uh huh.  Radical?  Unfortunately. But like Linus and his blanket we must leave behind types, shadows and our trust in buildings.  We must go farther up and further in the true knowledge of the fulfillment of who His people now are on King Jesus' Earth.

For further study on these ideas see my related article: Family Life as Temples