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The City Church
by
Leon Fancher
Throughout New Testament scriptures you find the biblical concept of the "City Church". Expressions like the church in Jerusalem, the church in Corinth, the church in Ephesus, and the seven churches of Asia appear numerous times. When Paul wrote to Titus, his instruction was to ordain elders in every city. The instructions were not to ordain elders in every church but, to perform this task in every city.
Let us take a close look at the word church as Jesus used it in Matt. 16:18. He said, "Upon this rock I will build my church". This word church is from the Greek word eklasea and means "the called out ones". This group of called out ones are a people group called out of the world for the specific purpose of following Jesus.
It is very interesting to notice how little Jesus used the word church. It is not mentioned in Mark Luke or John. The only place it is used in Matthew is in chapter 16. Referencing the gospels it seems obvious that Jesus preferred using the word "Kingdom" in referring to the new order that would be established. Even in the Lord's Prayer he did not suggest praying for the church to come, but for the Kingdom to come. From this it should be concluded that the church then is not an institution or organization but simply a people group.
In Acts 2:47 you find this statement "The Lord added to the church daily those that were being saved". The emphasis is that the "Lord added" to the church (His church) everyone that was saved. Since that beginning every person that has been saved has been added to the church by Jesus. They were all given the Holy Spirit as Jesus had promised before he left. The Holy Spirit would be with them and live in them to lead and guide them from day to day.
You could not join the church in any way other than by repenting and accepting Jesus as Lord and savior. Jesus then would add you to His church, His people group. We must remember that Jesus is the savior of the body, the church. It is important to remember that the church (the called out group of people) is not our savior. We (the called out ones) are the saved not the savior.
Another thing that I find to be very interesting is that you will not find the expression "go to church" in the bible. Why is this? We must understand that the church is a people group and that Jesus has already placed us in it. We cannot go to it because we are "It". Biblically you can not go to church, because we are the church 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Could it be that not understanding the concept of "The City Church" contributes to many believers thinking that "going to church" once a week is all that is needed to follow Christ? If that attitude is observed by lost people, it may result in them believing that "going to church" has not resulted in any change in the lives of the attendees and they (the lost) are as good as or better than those church people are. If we want to win our city to Jesus, we may need to change our way of thinking and living.
We are not saying we should stop going to meetings, for
scripture does declare that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together. Is it possible each denomination is more concerned with perpetuating
their own group than trying to find ways to demonstrate the spirit and love of
Jesus.
Jesus said "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to
me." It is "Christ in you the hope of glory" and "He that has the
Son has life and he that has not the Son has not life." I believe
Christianity is more about having a relationship with Jesus than trying to be in
the right organization. Since righteousness is a gift, we should never think we
are more righteous than others. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory
through Jesus.
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