Scripture:
Deuteronomy 32:9-12, Hebrews 12:22-23.
The word Church is translated from the Greek word: ''Ecclesias'' and does not refer to a denomination or religious movement.
It means the gathering together or assembly of God's called out people. People called out from the world of sins as Jesus said He is where two or three are gathered.
There are lots of people who belong to a denomination or religious tradition but are not members of Jesus. In order to be a member of the church of Christ,you must be BORN AGAIN.
The Names/Titles given by Christ to the church are:
1. The Body of Christ (Hebrews 12:5, Ephesians 1:23)
2. The Spiritual Temple and Building (Matthew 16:18):
This means a dwelling place.It wasn't a coincidence that Joseph was a carpenter/builder, God the Father working through God the Spirit to build God the Son within us.
3. Bride (Isaiah 62:5):
a bride;a young girl preparing to marry her husband,the church is the bride and Jesus is the bridegroom (Revelation 19:7)
4. God's people (1 Samuel 12:22, Deuteronomy 26:19)
5 .Chosen ones (Deuteronomy 7:6, 1 Peter 2:10)
6. Children of God (Matthew 5:4, Romans 8:16)
7. Heirs of God (Romans 8:17):
therefore we have every right to inherit every blessings of God.
8. Peculiar Treasure: not kept in usual places, not living a usual /common lifestyle.
9. Flock or Sheep of God (Luke 12:32, Isaiah 40:11, Zechariah 9:16):
Belonging to God's circle of followers. God compares believers with sheep and unbelievers with goats. Sheep have a teachable spirit, ability to turn away from wrong. Sheep are always in company of other sheep,with his parents.
10. Sons of God (John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Galatians 4:7)
11. Sons of Light (Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5)
12. Soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3):
Who is a soldier? a military force man,to keep and protect the territory of Christ,there is a characteristic to a soldier which is discipline from which the word disciple stems from. The military training changes the thinking, behavior of the recruits and is now under certain commands,brings you out of yourself. They are also taught to go in offensive and take captives in addition to protecting the territories. Jesus is our chief-commander.
13. Ambassadors of Christ: a person sent diplomatically to country to represent the interest of his country. God expects us to be His true representatives in this world,we are to defend the interests of Heaven here on earth.
14. Pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13, Hebrews 13:14, 1 Peter 2:11):
a person who went to visit a place with the intention of going back to his country.
15. Disciples and Followers of Christ (John 13:35)
16. Believers of Christ (John 2:22, John 4:53, Acts 9:42)
17. Family of God/Family in Heaven (Ephesians 3:15)
18. Brethren (Matthew 23:8): we are brothers in the Lord
19. Branch (Isaiah 60:21, John 15:2-5)
20. Pillar and Ground of Truth (1 Timothy 3:15):
Jesus is the truth while the devil is a liar and fraud. Once we become believers,we become truth,Christ has no diplomacy.
21. Priest
22. Kings (Revelation 1:5-6)
A priest intercedes on behalf of others and a king rules over a kingdom,we are to rule, reign and establish the dominion of Christ.
23. Christian (Acts 11:26): Christ like people,to live like Christ.
24. Assembly of Upright (Psalm 111:1)
25. Assemblies of Saints: means to be holy,upright,perfect, undefiled. When we are born again,you have a right standing before God,justified, Psalm 89:7, perfect before God. It is not a religious promotional status given by men.
Why we need to study these powerful titles and names are as follows:
-It shows that God's love through Christ to the church is immeasurable just like endearing names between a couple.
-Because the church is the most precious thing God has here on earth.
-The church is the only means by which God's plan can be carried out here on earth.
-You and I must be grateful for God calling us His church.
-We must do everything to justify God's love calling us His church
-All of us, we must make sure that the meaning of all these titles are reflected in our daily lifestyle.
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