(5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up.--This is true enough: they were in process of building up; but it suits the hortatory character of the whole Epistle better to take it (the one is as grammatical as the other) in the imperative sense: Be ye also as living stones built up. 6. Please note this: I am not telling you that Jesus is calling you to leave the church you are in. Actually, He already said it. He didn’t intend to found a church.

3. Jesus showed us the importance of relationships in what He said and the way He lived His life. Jesus made only two references to the church. It's not the building, it's not the location, and it's not the denomination. His authority over the church is again emphasized; also that it is His body b. This means that we can’t just adopt business management principles straight into the church. Certainly God is worthy of all glory b.

We follow Jesus, they claim, but have discarded the millstone that the church has become around His message. So what would Jesus say to churches today? Its members are described in the book of Revelation as those who “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). "Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body" - Ep 5:23 a.

Jesus did not promise large churches would be the norm or even a sign of success. Shine Together as the Church. But he did explain his vision for his followers, and it is beautiful. The Roman Catholic Church uses the argument that Peter is the rock to which Jesus referred as evidence that it is the one true church. Yet the intimacy and healing embrace of a small church is unsurpassed. We can debate over the cultural applications of many of the statements He made. Church buildings are not the "forever" part of church life.

I’m as …

Find messages of Christ to uplift your soul and invite the Spirit. Church Size (vs. 5) The majesty of a large church service can be awe-inspiring. A common belief of millions of professing Christians is that Peter was designated by Jesus to be the foundation or head of the church. I am still struggling with the religious mentality that say we must perform for Jesus. Jesus describes what we are in this passage - the light of the world, not the light of the church. We’re used to hearing things like, “Where do you go to church?” or “I went to this or that church on Sunday.” But according to the Bible, all we who have received Christ Jesus are the church. We are part of this wonderful, important ekklesia that Christ values so highly. Absolutely! Eight Things Jesus Showed Us About Relationships 1. The church, therefore, is not a place. Christians have a bigger obligation, than just giving a tenth to the Church. Now just prayerfully consider which of the seven churches in Revelation best represents your current spiritual condition and the spiritual condition of your church. When we read the Bible and learn more about who Jesus is, we see how important relationships are to Him. The point of Jesus' message is that the Pharisees were giving a tenth of their earthly goods (perhaps just those spices, since they could possibly be considered "extravagances" where a 10% gift would not be missed) but neglecting real needs of others. God's people who are in Christ Jesus are the church. Thus the answer to “who is in charge of the church?” is, Jesus Christ is! When asked why they believe this, many will quote Matthew 16:18-19 as the answer, explaining that Jesus said Peter was the rock on which the church would be built. Jesus talks about “the church”. We can add to and take away, twist and rearrange the phrases so they fit our own selfish purposes. Official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some few ancient churches were large. We’ve grown up in the building and the system and the tradition, so we believe that this is the Church. But the Church as a place you visit for an hour on Sunday where God shows up, or where community can solely be found—simply isn’t Biblical. And then apply our Lord's words to your own soul and your own church. The apostolic church—the church that Jesus built—was a Sabbathkeeping church! Usually, they were small and scattered. Each house in a city with its lights on cast a glow across the sky. To God be "glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages" - Ep 3:21 a.

How about today’s local institutional church that we find on every street corner! Conclusion. As we have seen, Peter’s being the rock is not the only valid interpretation of this verse. Jesus helps us see what's right when we’re with people. But we do need proper organization, delegation, equipping, and oversight for the local body of Christ to function effectively. If we can all be truthful, we find some things Jesus said difficult.