Comments on: What is a Church Like?

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:52:22 +0000

I’m glad you came to my church

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:16:36 +0000

Edith – Always good advice – actually, what my post missed saying is that the word-pictures really helped students to imagine what a church should be like far better than more theological language, and the night ended better than it started. (I might say that your grandson had some really helpful things to say while I’m at it)

Grace – Church (ἐκκλησίαν) is a bit of a slippery word in Greek – is basically means “assembly.” – Some try break it down (ἐκ – out of) (κλησ – called) but I suspect Jesus could use it without his disciples thinking about a formal institution. ἐκκλησίαν is sometimes really generic – for example, Luke uses the word to talk about the political mob in acts.

By: Grace

Grace — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:55:06 +0000

Hi Sam,
I was reading Matthew the other day and the word “church” popped into view. I said to myself “wait a minute. this is the first time i belive “church” is mentioned ever in the Bible” Then I started to wonder what is the original meaning or word that Jesus used to relay His view of “church”. This passage was in Matthew 16:18 where Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ. Then “church” is mentioned again Matthew 18:17 where Jesus says “tell it to the church” if a brother sins and refuses to listen. did the disciples understand when Jesus said “church”? The disciples were Jewish so what was their understanding?

By: Edith Sherland

Edith Sherland — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:33:53 +0000

Perhaps you need to talk on their level, not so churchy. I do not know you very well, but between Pastors I taught confirmation. I had a great time, and several have told me how they wished I could have continued, instead of the new Pastor. They are at a great, formidal age. Give them some to talk to you, then get down to the lesson at hand. Just trying to give a helpful hint.