CHRUCH – In the NT, the Greek word ekklesia refers to any assembly, local bodies of believers, or the universal body of all believers.
The Church as People of God – Redemptive history demonstrates that God’s purpose are not limited to redemption of individuals. Instead, God’s intent was to form a people (Gen 12:1-3).
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (CHURCH “THE CHURCH AS PEOPLE OF GOD”)
CONGREGATION- Assembled people of God. “Congregation” translates the Hebrew words ‘edah and qahal primarily. These terms may apply to any individual or class collectively such as “the wicked” or “or hypocrites.” While ‘edah is once used to refer to a herd of bulls (Ps 68:30) and once to a swarm of bees (Judg 14:8), both words primarily describe the Israelite people as a holy people bound together by religious devotion to Yahweh rather than by political bonds. There is no apparent distinction in meaning between the two. Every circumcised Israelite was a member for the congregation, as were the women, though the congregation is offten called “the sons of Israel” (Exod 16:1-9 NASB). The congregation was subdivided into the tribe and then the most basic unit, the family. The congregation of Israel functioned in military, legal, and punishment matters.