What is church? [open]

[rocklife]

Is the modern idea of church what the Bible mentions as church?

I believe for the most part, the bible uses many definitions of words in the traditional sense, but also God looks at the heart and not always as man judges. For example, in persecution times, some have been labeled heretics when they were going against the established church, maybe Martin Luther can be an example of that. still only God knows who are truly His, but it may be safe to say, just because some are ex-communicated from an official church does not mean they may be right either. but I believe the Bible will broadly use the term the same way the world does, but God judges rightly, often people don't judge right. (I hope that makes sense)

Why is it that when people are looking for solid advice in the real world they are almost always referred to a pastor?

I haven't experienced that so much. Pastors have always seemed to be too busy for more personal day-to-day things, people I have seen have not been referred much to pastors in my experience. Also I personally try to encourage seekers to seek God and read the Bible prayerfully, also offer any other help I can in my limited ways.

What happened to the priesthood of all believers?

I believe that for the most part, but I did not find that term in a Keyword search in 3 Bible versions: http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword...ion1=31&version2=49&version3=9&searchtype=all, so I wonder where that term comes from, but 1 Peter says we are being built up as a priesthood http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Peter 2:4-6;&version=31;, so it does seem biblical. When I read about some christians persecuted under communism who felt they had no christian leader, the lay people baptizing each other was done. I am perfectly fine with that. I have heard some pastors also say that is fine when it is too hard to find elders such as in persecution times and etc.

Have you ever taken communion outside of the church building setting? Why or why not?

actually I'm not sure. and I have heard televangelists say they take communion at home. that does not sound unreasonable.

Could someone point me to the verse that mentions where two or three are gathered . . .I'm having trouble finding it.

I know lots of questions. Answer what you want or ask some of your own. I'm currently exploring our modern concept of church and the Biblical concept of church and the application desired by Christ.

good questions. I also encourage continuing in Bible studies too about that. I like the Bible on walkmen tapes personally, that has been very helpful to me, but also reading. For deeper study, I use a parallel Bible, also a few other versions, one is a parallel Hebrew/English Bible Jewish New Testament, it is very similar to KJV. and then a Bible dictionary too is helpful. also you can probably access a lot of these online if you search and want to. then pray and be a doer of Jesus. God bless your search

 

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

There are both broad and narrow answers to your questions.

And some in-betweeny-lengthed ones eh rev? Like the socks old bean.

x

 

[BaLou]

Church = The Body of Christ, which represents all believers in Jesus Christ. Jesus called us to believe in him and his love for humanity.