Part 4: The Church and Worship
Our Lord Jesus said in Matthew, Chapter 16, Verses 15 thru 18:
"But what about you?" he asked, "who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
This scripture makes it plain that Jesus intended to build His church at some later time. But Jesus is quoted in the Book of Mark, Chapter 9, Verse 1:
And He said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.
Again the church, which is the kingdom of God, was to come during His listener's near future. Jesus gave this instruction and promise to his followers: (Luke, Chapter 24, Verse 49):
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised: but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Soon after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Day of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost arrived. Jesus' followers had stayed in Jerusalem according to His instructions.
The Book of Acts, Chapter 2, describes the marvels of that day. This was when the Lord's promise of a powerful coming of His kingdom was fulfilled.
Jews from all over the then-known world had gathered in Jerusalem. The apostles were together as Jesus had commanded. Suddenly there was a loud sound, like the blowing of a violent wind. Acts Chapter 2, Verse3--4, says:
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Thus, power was bestowed upon each of the Apostles.
Attracted by the noise, a crowd gathered. Peter and the other apostles addressed them and each listener heard them speak in his own language. They were told that Jesus was the Christ. They were reminded that they had crucified Him. Seeing the signs and wonders, the people believed them. They grew exceedingly sorry that they had done such a terrible thing. Being regretful, they asked the Apostles "Brothers, what shall we do?". Acts Chapter 2, verses 38 and 39 says:
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
After many additional pleadings, Peter told them to "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." The Bible continues in verse 41:
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Thus, it was on that day that the kingdom, the church, began. The Apostles were given much power. They could speak in foreign languages and heal the sick, among other gifts. From that day the twelve went about recruiting new followers, teaching and baptizing in many places.
Clearly, the first day of Pentecost after Jesus' crucifixion was when Jesus started His church.
But, what is the church? Is it just a building, a gathering place for worshippers? No! The church is an assembly of believers who have fulfilled the Biblical requirements of salvation to God’s satisfaction. When one does this, God adds him to the church. One cannot "join" the church nor can one be voted into the church. It is God who judges and adds (or places) the individual into His church.
Clearly a building of brick, stone or wood is not a church. The church is an assembly of individuals who have faithfully obeyed the commands of God and have been saved. The assembly, or congregation, can include few or many hundreds. They worship together in God's presence singing songs, praying and remembering the sacrifice of Lord Jesus as they take the Holy Communion.
The church might meet in a modern, comfortable building, someone's home, a public park or even a modern jail. The early church met in such places as the catacombs of Rome.
Of course, all the Christians in the world could not meet together at one place at the same time. Thus, over the world, there are many congregations where believers gather in Jesus' presence. Read Matthew, chapter 18, verse 20:
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."