The Church, the World, and How Christians Are to Live.

Here’s the main problem with “The Church” in America as in the Body of Christ. I researched the words church and world in the original Greek and added some scriptures to make my point.

The Church, the World, and How Christians Are to Live.

 📖 Church is Ekklesia in Greek.

The Greek word "ekklesia," used by Jesus Christ, means "those who are called out." Jesus and the early Christians used this term to refer to a gathering or assembly of believers. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church (ekklesia), and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Here, Jesus refers to His followers as a distinct community called out from the world to follow Him. To follow Jesus is to separate yourself from the world.

🌍 The Concept of the World ("Kosmos")

In the New Testament, "world" (Greek: "kosmos") often refers to the system of values, beliefs, and practices that are opposed to God's will and purposes. It represents a society influenced by sin and operating independently of God's authority. 

1 John 2:15-17 instructs believers: 

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."

🙏 Called Out from the World

When Jesus and the early Christians spoke of being "called out" from the world, they emphasized a separation from this worldly system and a commitment to living according to God's principles and under His lordship. This calling out signifies a distinct identity and mission for believers to live in a way that reflects God's kingdom, even while they remain physically present in the world.

📜 Jesus and "Kosmos"

Jesus frequently used the term "kosmos" when referring to the world. Here are a couple of examples:

1. John 3:16

“For God so loved the world (kosmos) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

2. John 17:14-16**: In His prayer, Jesus says, “I have given them Your word; and the world (kosmos) has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

🌱 How Christians Should Live

As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it, living out our faith in a way that distinctly reflects the values of God's kingdom.

Thank you for reading! Let's continue to encourage each other to live out our faith in a way that shines brightly in this world. 🌟