Editorial – August 2024

‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is’, Heb. 10. 25.

There are four distinct uses of the word ‘church’ in the New Testament. The word is derived from two words that mean ‘called out’ and it is invariably applied to a company of persons called out. It is never applied to a building in which people congregate. Depending on who or what cause has gathered out, the people gives character to the ‘church’.

In Acts chapter 7 verse 38, the ‘church in the wilderness’ refers to the people that were called out of Egypt in response to the call of God to ‘hold a feast unto’ Him, Exod. 5. 1.

In Acts chapter 19 verse 32, we find in the Ephesian theatre an assembly [same word as ‘church’] of craftsmen, called out and stirred up by Demetrius, a silversmith who clearly saw the gospel as a threat to his trade in idolatry. Interestingly, the word translated ‘church’ in verse 37 is a different word from the word translated ‘assembly’ in verse 32. It is the word for what implies a building. This word is never used in scripture to describe a gathered-out people. We should carefully note that it is easy to mis-apply the word ‘church’ to the place where we meet and describe it as our ‘church’. Maybe it is a reason why, in a world where such confusion is commonplace, it might be helpful to use the term ‘assembly’ when referring to the gatherings of believers. As one brother memorably taught us, ‘It’s the people and not the steeple!’

The third application of the word ‘church’ is found, for example, in Ephesians chapter 1 verses 22 and 23. Referring to Christ, Paul declares that He has been given as ‘the head over all things to the church, which is his body’. This refers to the entity comprised of the entire company of all those who have, and will trust Christ, from Pentecost to the rapture. These are those who have been ‘called out’ according to divine purpose and constitute that immense conglomeration united in Christ and ultimately to be seen as His ‘bride, the Lamb’s wife’, Rev. 21. 9. What a great display that will be! What an amazing sight - to see so many that have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Let us never lose sight of the indescribable debt we owe to our Saviour. His will be the glory!

The fourth use of the word ‘church’ is to be found, for example, in 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 2. Clearly, this is being applied to a gathering of believers in a specific geographical location. It is vital to note that God always intends that once we are saved (and baptized), we should physically gather together with other believers. Such gatherings consist of those ‘called out’ from the kingdom of darkness for the purpose of displaying the order that gives God’s well-beloved Son the honour due to Him. We do well to note that every local assembly gathering is for His glory. They are defined by His presence and should be governed by what gives Him His rightful place - not for the display of human talents. And if this be so, what would prevent us being at every assembly gathering? Miss the meeting and miss the blessing! Are you present at all that you can be? In days where attendance is seemingly becoming ‘optional’, let us remember why we gather and, if we truly love Him, then keep His commandments.

Ken Totton
Ministry Articles Editor