To read this blog in its proper context, I would advise reviewing the previous blog that explores the interaction of the saints in Jerusalem. The Bible emphasizes households of various saints and has repeatedly described them as the environment of fellowship among God’s people. Jonathan Reed, a professor of Religion at the University of LaVerne,…
If such brothers and sisters live in the same area, is there any doubt that they will be together when possible? Unquestionably, they will gather together because they not only have a common relationship and response to God, they have a common cause. To illustrate this commonality that unites us, imagine the similarity of other…
(1) “The church of Ephesus” in Revelation 2:1 is referred to as “the saints … at Ephesus” in Ephesians 1:1. Again, here is a local church (individual saints), but not a local church organization. If someone asked, “Is there a local church in that town?,” Paul would say, “Yes, there are saints living there.” They…
Some propose the idea that a universal church is nowhere taught in the Bible so that every reference to the church (assembly) is a reference to the physical gathering of people. Abrams writes, “However, it can be argued that Matthew 16:18 is referring to Christ founding the institution of local churches, not to the establishment…
Even though the phrase “local church” is not found in Scripture, there is a sense in which we may speak of it. We will continue to make distinctions that present two opposing views of the church institution and the people of God (ekklesia). I have found that it is best if I not use the…