2007-09-16 15:00:33 · 7 answers · asked by Tom Cruise 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, the church is the body of Christ. What I've learned that means is that:
1) It doesn't mean the Pope has to be the person telling you anything,
2) You don't have to listen to what another person in chgurch tells you,
3) There is no commandment that says, " Thou shalt go to church on Sunday.
The church is made up of those who believe. A simple gathering of believing Christians to talk about Jesus and help each other in His name is 'churching'. It has nothing to do with a building.
The church is considered the 'body' of Christ in scripture, and some say that the body of Christ will not suffer God's wrath a second time, therefore is excluded from the Great Tribulation. I could go into that more, but I hope that I satisfied your question enough to remain confident in what it means.
2007-09-16 15:16:20 · answer #1 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The church is the "regular" way of salvation...from the Latin "regula" for "rule"....
Christ set up "rules": "Go, make disciples...and BAPTIZE them..."
"Do this in remembrance of Me" - Holy Communion.
It is in the Church, "the Body of Christ (as St. Paul called the Church), of which Jesus Christ is the Head, and all Baptized persons are the members" where this entrance in to God's Kingdom and sacramental sanctification happens...
Can you "know" Jesus without these things? Yes, I reckon so. But why would anybody WANT to??
2007-09-16 22:08:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
AnyBody who does what Romans 10:9 says to do AND Means It (no kidding around) will be Born-Again and become a Child of GOD.
You can be Alone, in a Building (church meeting place) in a Group so on...
2007-09-17 00:10:14 · answer #3 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church is the bride of Christ. Why would anyone disrespect or ignore the Lord's bride if they truly love the Lord.
Pastor John
2007-09-16 22:21:52 · answer #4 · answered by pastorjohn59 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)
"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church." (Colossians 1:24)
2007-09-16 22:30:51 · answer #5 · answered by JoeBama 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you can absolutely knowJesus without the church. Paul did!!!!!!!! Jesus can speak to you even when you never heard His name.
2007-09-16 22:15:52 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The "CHURCH" is the people that are saved, not the building.
2007-09-16 22:07:49 · answer #7 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋