(2) Disciple and Church

Let's spend a few minutes reflecting on some background information before we see what the Disciple and Church have in common.


BACKGROUND: In a nutshell, this is how we have the English Bible. The original text of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Koine (common man's)  Greek. At one time in history the Bible was not very accessible to the common man. It was hidden away in monastery libraries and only handled by a few designated souls ordained by hierarchical groups of men who thought interpreting Scripture was too far above the realm of ordinary men.

A few well educated men, Martin Luther being one, decided that the "status quo" of keeping Scripture out of the hands of ordinary people should be rectified. Guttenberg took on the challenge of printing the first Bible so that a wider variety of folks had access to its pages. King James commissioned scholars to translate the Bible into English. Cruden built a reference book that allowed everyone to find Scripture more efficiently and began helping individuals become more familiar with the Word of God. All this has led up today's multitude of translations, references, and resources, available once again for the common man.


It is easy to see how inaccuracies developed when at one time there was a scarcity of Biblical text and resources. However, today, there should be little excuse. At the push of a button or the click of a mouse, God's original text (Greek and Hebrew) are readily available to everyone who seeks.


Taking our cue from this information, we are going to look at the word, "church" to see where it originated and if it is actually being used in the context in which God intended.


RESOURCE: Bible Study Tools (http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/the-church.html  )


“The New Testament word for "church" is ekklesia [ejkklhsiva], which means "the called out ones." in classical Greek….”


As used in the New Testament: “The ekklesia [ejkklhsiva] is God's congregation ( 1 Cor 1:2 ; 2 Cor 1:1 ; etc.).”


Although it would not be inaccurate to say, “I am going to church” meaning I am going to assemble with God’s congregation, it may be inaccurate to say, “My church” or “Our church”. If we use the meaning of the term, “the called out of God”, it would be best to say, “I am assembling with the called out”.


Being accurate has the advantage of reminding us of exactly who we are:


--We are called out of the world and into His marvelous Light.


--We are owned by God and we are His servants.


--We have a “calling”.


--Our calling is separate from the world’s


---We have been given this calling through the Holy Spirit who indwells us.


If we continue to use the English word, “church” it tends to give us a very low resolution picture of God’s Word as if viewing it on an old black and white TV. If we want to see God’s word in High Definition color, we might begin to use the original language which most often imparts a deeper, richer meaning.


Examples:


--We are going to assemble with the called out of God.


--We are the called out, called out of the world to live as Light to the world.


--We are called to have a new name, new ministry, new identity, new walk, new spirit, new purpose, new love, new hope, new family, new Master.


--We are to assemble with fellow saints (The word "saint" is derived from a Greek verb (hagiazo [aJgiavzw]) whose basic meaning is "to set apart," "sanctify, " or "make holy." ) to remember the sacrifice, love, and grace of our Lord.


The Disciple’s life is “called out” and “set apart”. It is distinctive. It is peculiar. It is a sacred life, where Deity dwells. Church is not a place, it is not a building, it is a calling.

Are you merely going "to church" or are you answering the call of God to be holy, set apart, peculiar, and involved in ministry?