Is there a church built in Jesus lifetime?

Question

How do you know that the churches(place of worship) is what Jesus wanted to have for his believers. Did Jesus approve Christianity?

Below are derived from Christian websites.

The Greek word for "church".
The word "church" is commonly used to translate the Greek word ekklesia except in a couple of cases where ekklesia refers to a non-Christian assembly. The ek~ means "out" or "from" and the ~klesia comes from kaleo to call. So ekklesia simply means the "called out" people --called out of darkness into God's light. That light is the Lord Jesus Christ (1Pe 2:9 Jhn 1:4). There is nothing in this word to suggest a denomination.

In the Bible, the "church" always refers to a group of people, never to a physical building.

During the life of Prophet Muhammad, there are 3 at least in existence even till today; 1)Masjidil Haram(Mecca) 2) Nabawi(Medina) and 3) Al-Aqsa(Palestine).

Please don't give answers like "there should be" or "read the bible". Please give references.

Answer 1

You made a correct observation. In the NT, there was no such thing as a building called church, at least not a physical one with pews and pulpit! The church was the people, especially when gathered. And in the early days they met in each other's homes and enjoyed close fellowship. The church that existed in Jesus' day was different from the ones we know today. Back then it was organic and more family-like. Today's church is institutional and more business-like. We need to get back to the former.

Answer 2

True Christians didn't always meet in buildings, they meet in fields tents, most anywheres to worship God, the Apostle Paul told the people of Athens, that had a plaque dedicated to an unknown God, that Jesus Christ is a God, that doesn't dwell in man made buildings but in the human heart. I think the important thing is to worship God,and not so much about if it's in a building, or not but lets face it who wants to sit around, outside for hours in the rain , or in a tent for that matter, through storms it's just more practical, in a well built building, read Revelations, about the seven churches maybe theirs, not seven different denominations, but their are seven different, Judgments, some good, some not so good, and some terrible, I'm going try for that good mark myself, by loving God with all my heart my mind, my spirit, and loving my neighbor, as I love myself..

Answer 3

No. Christian churches did not appear until after Jesus' death. As the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are essential components of the Christian religious system, the presence of Christian churches (as we know them today) during Jesus' lifetime would not make sense.

There are portions of the New Testament that deal with churches, such as the letters written to specific churches, but these all appear after Jesus' lifetime.

Answer 4

The only thing I understood from the sura's is Islam is a religion of swords and a need for, and jealousy of, women. I believe that historically, you are also making an irrelevant remark. I am not a Christian, but Jesus knew the meaning of church and that his disciples and apostles where his church while he still lived.

However, I do recognize that all mankind looks for pride and honor from a religion when they have little of their own.

Answer 5

Jesus founded the church ... the supernatural institution ... and he gave wide ranging and unlimited power to the men he chose to govern it.

The church decided to build buildings in which to meet and worship.

And the precedents for those buildings are most certainly the first and second Jerusalem Temples.

So now, the word "church" has at least two meanings.

What's the big deal?

Answer 6

Correct you are! Jesus never assigned one particular denomination and his "church" is not a building of any kind. We are actually called "Isreal" and "My sheep" and "The bride of Christ." The sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Jesus laid down His sermons in the new testement and urged everyone to follow Him. He knew it wouldn't be easy, that man would create multiple denominations. And that would lead many astray. Obviously there has been, is now, and will be a multitude of people who won't worship the true Christ and follow Him. For Christ said, "Broad is the road of destruction and many go there in", but "Small is the way to righteousness and few ever find it." So it can't be one of the biggest denominations on earth. Some religions have millions of followers. Can this be the right path? Not according to Christ. He said only a few would find the RIGHT way to worship Him. I don't go to a church building. I do attend an on-line service on Saturdays (the Sabbath). I have found it to be truthful and they hold the word of God as absolute truth! That's all we really need to do, just read His word and obey it. That's the hard part. Many believe on Christ, in His name. But very few actually believe what He said! And fewer still who actually DO WHAT HE COMMANDED. If you can ever find a fellow group of believers that love God and follow His word, then you have found the church of God!

Answer 7

>>How do you know that the churches(place of worship) is what Jesus wanted to have for his believers.<<

Because Jesus and his followers regularly went to places of worship, both to worship and teach. It is in the Bible, if you care to read it. One example:

"And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and He went to the synagogue, as His custom was, on the sabbath day." - Luke 4:15-16

Answer 8

You have no faith in Jesus Christ son of God so what is your point? yes Jesus did "approve Christianity" the premise is Jesus appointed St. Peter to promote the Catholic (universal ) church and to address future conflicts of faith, hence the Catholic catechism, Pope Benedict is the current Vicar of Christ and we do believe in an apostolic church, is Muhammad here today to address the conflicts faced by Islam today? are new mosques being built with his permission?Islam seems to have their versions of apostles, so Christians have mass in buildings instead of hiding in the catacombs, when it was safe to do so and imperial Rome accepted Christianity then churches were built, you focus on trivial matters why is that? do you not love your brother despite his religion? peace be with you.

Answer 9

We(the people) are so the church. You are absolutely right. We are Jesus' representatives. As long as we abide by the guidelines of the Word of God, then God is pleased and we are truly His Church. May God Bless U.

Answer 10

Where two or more people gather, it is a church. The body is the temple. The modern Church belongs to Paul, not Jesus.