Church Protected, Mission Ignored! Part-2

 

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…” Matt 16:18

In the English Bible, the word that we read as “church” is generally a translation of the Greek word ecclesia. In pre-New Testament usage, ecclesia referred to a call or summons for the army to assemble. Later in its development, the word was used to denote popular or general assembly for a civic purpose, or a socio-political gathering, specifically in Athens. Therefore, this word is used carefully not only to just come together but also for a serious business. The word ecclesia occurs 114 times in the New Testament, obviously was not referring to a structure or to a building but referred to the people of the same community who belonged to God. N.T. Wright states, “The church is first and foremost a community, a collection of people who belong to one another because they belong to God.”.

Jesus presented the ecclesia as a dynamic kingdom “community,” an unstoppable spiritual force on earth, and an eschatological agent of transformation.  Matthew 16:18 “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”. This concept of Church was new for the people of those times who were only used to a grandeur structure, the temple. Even though Jesus was with them, the Synagogues were happening, and people were busy in their worship service observing the regular rituals. What on earth the Temple or which is also called as the prayer house was busy worshipping? When people were rejecting Jesus the Messiah and yet busy with the temple rituals and worship, then who were they worshipping and praying to actually? 

Jesus redefined the temple with a concept of Church connecting with the Mission, but people even today want to observe and worship the activities and programs of the Church and most importantly the building and space of the Church as Church. What am I trying to convince you here?  I am certainly not discounting the Church space that is holding the people together, but I am raising a concern over the purpose of the existence of Church today and the connotation which is most often misinterpreted. Is the Church today really existing as an unstoppable spiritual force on earth, and an eschatological agent of transformation?

You need to check on this seriously to know what turned this new kingdom community from just a gathering into the dynamic, unstoppable community. These disciples, after Jesus’ death and resurrection were all confused and perturbed, locked themselves in a space, hiding from the Jews. Suddenly they were filled with amazement when they found Jesus inside the room (see John 20:19). After blessing them Jesus entrusted them again with the same mission that He gave to them while He appointed the twelve. He appointed them and sent them to preach the kingdom of God (Luke 9:1). Now again the same mission was reemphasized and entrusted to them.  “…As the father has sent me, I also send you.”. John 20:21. And they immediately, emerged into a courageous and powerful community — the Church. The power of the Holy Spirit began operating in and through the lives of every member of the ecclesia. The force has a commission to be carried out while they come together and worship together as Church. The going out becomes the outcome of coming in.

Luke made an extensive list of the changes that took place when the early followers of Jesus were empowered to become the church. Some examples include:

 The power of the Holy Spirit filled the new community with agape love, which in turn produced “courage.” The church became an uncompromisingly courageous community. (Acts 2:36; 4:13, 31)

• They developed a high sense of calling and determination. (Acts 5:29)
• Genuine love and deep care for each other were very visible in the way the individuals in the church committed themselves to engage in daily fellowship. (Acts 2:42; 46)
• They demonstrated extreme generosity. Their love informed their actions so that there were no needy people among them. (Acts 2:45; 4:34)
• The hearts and minds of the believers were united. (Acts 4:32)
• Their testimony was confirmed with miraculous signs and wonders. People looked at the church with great respect, awe, and amazement. (Acts 2:7, 43; 3:10; 5:11)
• From day one, the church was a dynamic growing community. (Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4; 6:1,7)

To be continued.

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