by

Joel Saripalli

Published by:

P.O. Box 12, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad - 500 094

A.P., INDIA

Page

I. Introduction………………………………………..3

II. Etymologically……………………………………6

III. Scripturally…..……………………………….…13

IV. Numerically…..…………………………………29

V. Practically…..…………………………………....34

VI. Logically…..…………………………………….49

VII. Conclusion….…………………………………..54

VIII. Bibliography..…………………………………61

"The Christian Church, "The Church Age", "The Rapture of the Church", "The Church..." this and 'The Church..." that, et. al., are some of the most frequently used phrases by many preachers and teachers. Scores of books fill the shelves of bookstores on the subject of 'The Church". What exactly do the preachers, teachers and authors of these books mean by "The Church?"

This book is an exposé. It is set forth with the honest intention of clarifying, what many today in the Ecumenical world claim to be, "The Church" as opposed to what the Scriptures teach. Also, the Scriptural perspective of the true nature of the church will be set forth. The author sincerely requests the reader, to do so, without any reservations or bias or any pre-conceived notions. May the mind of the reader be open to the truth and his/her heart never be content with anything, but the TRUTH.

The best way to examine the veracity of a subject is to question it. To gain greater insight, we must scrutinize and diagnose. If this be true, then it can certainly be applied to the subject of the church. "What is the church?, How would you explain it?". For if the "What" can be defined, then the "Who", the "Why", the "Where", the "When" and the "How" can also be answered with little or no confusion at all. We shall begin our quest into the subject of the church by scrutinizing some basic definitions that are available to us on the subject.

Pastor Edgar C. Carlisle states the definitions of the church as such, in his booklet: God's Church, Family and Kingdoms"; "There are among Christian denominations, three primary definitions of the word "church". Down through the centuries Baptists have believed the church is an assembly of saints meeting at a specific place at specific times. This is the local, visible interpretation.

"Roman Catholics teach that the church is universal or Catholic. They insist that everywhere Catholics meet to worship they all compose the Lord's church. This is the universal visible church theory.

"Protestants insist that all the saints since the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two comprise the church. They may or may not meet with other believers to worship. Protestants call all of these saints the body of Christ. This is the universal, invisible church theory." (Pages 1&2).

M. L. Moser, Jr. in his book: Ecumenicalism Under the Spotlight, goes along the same lines in presenting the different definitions: "In seeking to define the word 'church' today, we find three basic definitions of the term. I choose to call them the 'Catholic Definition,' the 'Protestant Definition,' and the 'Bible Definition.' Let us note these definitions:

The definition of the Roman Catholic Church is that the church is both visible and universal. Indeed the word 'catholic' means 'universal.' They teach that the Catholic Church includes, all the members of the Roman Catholic churches throughout the world, thus being both visible and universal.

This definition varies in that the church is defined as being invisible and universal . . . After separating from the Roman Catholic Church, … they were no longer members of that church, a new definition had to be devised. It had to be modified . . . broad enough to include all, whether Presbyterian, Lutheran, Reformed, or what, and because it did encompass all various groups, it was assumed that it was invisible, and not limited to a particular church body. Thus it was universal including all believers, but invisible. This is the doctrine of the Protestants today and expressed in the so-called Apostle's creed, "I believe in the holy catholic church."

The third definition . . . is the Bible definition. Neither of the two above fits the Bible definition of the church. In seeking to define the word church, we cannot use our dictionaries, since the word is defined as to its current usage, therefore we must refer back to the Greek language and to its meaning at the time the word was used by our Lord. For this purpose, I quote . . . Dr. Roy Beamon, Professor of Languages and Biblical Introduction in the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He defines the word 'church' in this manner:

Note then that the definition of the word 'church' as used in the New Testament involves both a 'calling-out' and a 'calling-together ' and true Baptists have always accepted this definition of the New Testament." (Pages 11& 12).

Of the above mentioned three basic definitions, the second one, that is the Protestant Definition is the most popular and widely accepted. This definition was popularized to the most part by the footnotes given in the Scofield Bible. But there have been those who have stretched this same Protestant definition even further. The "much sung hero" of the Sword of the Lord Publishers, John R. Rice, for example, in his booklet on The Churches and the Church, states that ". . . the Church or Body of Christ includes all the saved people of all Ages." (i.e. Past, Present and Future [Page 10]).

And so, beginning with the late John R. Rice, every major modern day ecumenical evangelical preaches nothing but the Universal Invisible Church Theory. Preachers such as the late Curtis Hutson, Jerry Falwell, Chuck Swindoll, Warren Wiersbe, Jack Van Impe, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, R.B. Theime, et. al., have all promoted this position of the church.

As stated above, we have the Roman Catholic, the Protestant and the Bible/Baptist definitions which are the three basic definitions concerning The CHURCH. All other explanations concerning the church are mere variants of these three definitions. But for our study's sake, we will further sum up these three definitions and all of their variants into two major categories:

1) Universal Church - This definition states that all believers, throughout the world, past, present and future, whether visible or invisible, comprise a Universal body of Christ. Whenever this definition is implied, the word 'church' is always spelled with a capital "C".

2) Local Church - This definition states that a church is a body of Baptized believers, assembling themselves in a Specific Place at Specific Periods for Specific Purposes.

Having summed up all of the various definitions into two major categories, it is noteworthy to see that each one of these two definitions is a total contrast to the other. There is a great difference or conflict between the two, yet there are multitudes who claim that the Bible teaches both of these positions. Does the Bible indeed positively teach two subjects that are so conflicting to each other, at the same time? Or is it a semantic error made by those who claim to be Bible "gurus"?

Another great problem is that there are many who tend to be passive about most of the Bible doctrines. They insist that "it doesn't make any difference what or how one believes!" This kind of an attitude is what ecumenicalism is all about. It is an attitude that says, "It's all the same in the end anyway." If this is true then we might as well give up all that we believe and stand for. We might as well all become Hindus or join the New Age Movement. God forbid! The Bible encourages us to STUDY it and find out the truth about every subject that it deals with (II Timothy 2:15).

Thus we shall now proceed to critique these two interpretations in a systematic and scriptural order. That is to find out, "What is the TRUE CHURCH?"

It is a fact that Alexander the Great came up with his own 'code' language for his military, during his reign. This language came to be known as 'Koine' Greek. It was 'Koine Greek' that was internationally spoken during the days of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord, speaking in this language, in Matthew 16:18 said, "… upon this rock I will build my church (ecclesia)." This word was already in common usage by the Greeks and was well understood as to its significance. We shall refer to certain authorities of the Greek language and derive the etymology of the word ECCLESIA.

The late Dr. B.H. Carrol (1843 - 1914), founder and first President of the renowned Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas defines the term thus in his book "Ecclesia"; "Etymologically. . . it’s. . . an organized assembly, whose members have been properly called out from private homes or business to attend to public affairs. This definition necessarily implies prescribed conditions of membership." (Pg. 8).

Dr. Frank A. Godsoe, D.D., Th.D., explains in his book: The House of God, ". . . an organized Assembly, its members called out from private homes to attend public affairs, and having prescribed, conditions of membership. That meaning applies to (1 )Christ's Assembly, (2) To a self-governing Greek state, (Acts 19:39), (3) To National Israel, (Acts 7:38)" (Page 9).

Edward Overby, the author of The Meaning of Ekklesia in the New Testament, has compiled the following definitions in his writing:

" … an assembly of the people convened at the public place of council for the purpose of deliberating." (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, J.H.Thayer ).

Pastor Jerry D. Locke writes in A Study of the New Testament Church that: "The English word 'church' is taken from the Greek word 'ecclesia' which means 'called-out.' It always denotes an assembly." (Lesson 1).

Buell H. Kazee, author of The CHURCH and the Ordinances explains; "Ekklesia (sic) was a Greek word that would have been understood by all who used this universal language in the days of the apostles as meaning a visible assembly even after it had acquired a Christian significance. Christianity did not change the meaning of the word but adopted it as a fit description of this divine institution." (Pg. 16).

The CHURCH that Jesus Built, is a book by Dr. Roy Mason. Dr. Mason was a former proponent of the Universal, Invisible Church Theory and after much research of the subject, he comes to the following conclusion: "After careful study of all the passages in which the word ecclesia occurs in the New Testament, … and after examining . . . the word in classical Greek, I submit the proposition that the church that Jesus founded was the local assembly, and that to use the word ecclesia to designate a "universal", or "invisible" Church is to pervert its meaning, and to fall into serious error."

He continues, "What then, let us ask, did the word mean as understood by the people of that day? Says Dr. Geo W. McDaniel (The Churches of the New Testament), 'Both with the Greeks and the Jews, the word denoted as assembly of the people. . . . Among the Greeks ecclesia was an assembly of the citizens of a free city-state gathered by a herald blowing a horn through the streets of a town.

Dr. Jesse B. Thomas says in his book, The CHURCH and the Kingdoms: "It was the organized assembly of the authorized voters of the local community, met to transact business of common concern." This meaning applies substantially alike to the ecclesia of a self-governing Greek state (Acts 19:39), the Old Testament ecclesia or convocation of National Israel (Acts 7:38) and to the New Testament ecclesia. When our Lord says: 'On this rock I will build my ecclesia,...'" (Pgs. 26-28).

From the above mentioned quotes, it should be striking the reader as to the possible meaning of the term ecclesia or as it has been translated into English, "church". But we shall proceed to quote a few more authors in order to establish a concrete meaning of the word, etymologically.

A German historian and theologian, Adolph Harnack, who is renowned among the historians of primitive Christianity and highly esteemed, refutes the idea of a universal, invisible church. His statements in connection with this topic carry great weight. In his History of Dogma, he mentions that: "No one thought of the desperate idea of an invisible church; this notion would probably have brought about a lapse from pure Christianity far more rapidly than the idea of the Holy Catholic Church." (Pg.83).

Darrel Owens, in his lessons on The Church in the New Testament, states; "The Greek word ecclesia literally means called out. It was commonly used as a term to designate an assembly of people called out from their homes to a certain designated place for the purpose of taking care of some kind of business. Such an assembly is spoken of in Acts 19:39." (Pages 13-14).

Dr. Harold P. Chiolero's definition; "Ecclesia means a called out ASSEMBLY from some place to a particular place, for a particular purpose…"

Finally I quote, Dean Rosco Brong from his notes on The Church In Ephesians; "In the Bible the word 'church' … means assembly only and always. It never refers to an unknown, non-assembling, confused and scattered multitude. Such a 'church' exists only in the imagination of heretics desperately trying to justify their schisms." (Pg. 17c).

James H. Strong defines the Greek words "Ek" as "from, out" and "Kaleo" as "call". The combination of these two words gives us "Ekkaleo" or "Ekklesia", which Strong defines as "a calling out, i.e. (concr.) a popular meeting, … assembly, church." The ample quotations and definitions mentioned above should be deemed satisfactory. A clear "picture" as to the true nature of the New Testament Ekklesia or church has been set forth, etymologically. However, let us sum up all of the preceding statements into one concrete definition which we shall be able to use throughout our subsequent chapters.

Ekklesia or church is an assembly or a group of people meeting in a specific place at specific periods for specific purposes. This definition is very contrary to the popular idea of a Universal, Invisible Church. Even the "brain" behind the Revision Committee of 1871-1881, Fenton John Anthony Hort, who somewhat believed in the Universal, Invisible Church Theory, had problems with it. For he readily admits, in his book The Christian Ecclesia, that it is without historical foundation.

In the Bible the definition of Ekklesia applies to three distinct groups;

In the Old Testament, God chose twelve tribes with the intention of establishing a nation that would be a witness for Him but Israel desperately failed Him, thus He divorced them (Jeremiah 3:6-8 & Matthew 23: 37-39).

In the New Testament, God became Man and came down to earth, during which time He chose a new group and made a NEW COVENANT/TESTAMENT with them and personally trained them in order to send them out to be witnesses for Him. This Jesus did, personally, by choosing twelve men, whom He called Apostles. He also referred to this group as being "MY EKKLESIA" or "MY CHURCH" as opposed to the Greek and the Jewish Ekklesias. These events were recorded by Dr. Luke in his gospel in the 6th chapter from verses 12 through 16. This passage is paralleled in the 3rd chapter of Mark from verses 13 through 19. Paul re-emphasizes both of these passages in I Corinthians 12:28, where he points out that "… God hath set some in the church, first apostles, …"

Note that these events took place very much prior to the day of Pentecost. This is another Biblical FACT that is very contrary to the modern day ecumenical preaching that "The Church started on the day of Pentecost!" We shall refer to this FACT again in a later chapter.

These twelve apostles gathered themselves around Jesus, Mark 3:14; "… that they should be with Him …" & Mark 6: 30; "And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus …", as an assembly which was VISIBLE and LOCAL, giving EKKLESIA a true meaning in every sense of the word. These apostles, being VISIBLE, were LOCATED in and around Jerusalem and they remained there, even after Christ's ascension, as we see throughout the first part of the book of Acts (Acts 8:1).

After having grasped the meaning of EKKLESIA and its application to the three different groups, we shall conclude this chapter by dealing with how this word came to be translated as CHURCH in English and also the significance of this English word.

Over the years, some of the most vicious attacks have been made against THE BOOK, i.e. the Authorized Version of 1611 also known as the King James Version, hereafter referred to as the A.V. A favorite "soap-box" of the critics of the A.V. has been the word "church" about which they comment, that the A.V. translators had made a "blunder" at this point. One such critic, sadly, is J.H. Melton. He was a Professor at the Independent Baptist College, Dallas, Texas, under whom I had studied for several years. Bro. J.H.Melton, in a monograph entitled To the Baptist Brethren makes several allegations against the A.V. He claims that one of the "most grievous errors in the A.V. is the usage of the word "CHURCH". He forcefully blames the A.V. as having promulgated the idea of a Universal, Invisible Church.

In dealing with this "issue", I quote Pastor Jerry D. Locke, from his compilation A Study of the New Testament Church. "The English word 'church' has an interesting history. 'Church', Based upon a slang expression for 'power', the early Greek name for a powerful man's residence was "Kuriakon". This term passed into Latin and was picked up by pioneer Christians, who applied it to the house of God, source and author of all power.' (Why you say it. Garrison).

The Greek word, 'kuriakon', meant, 'a powerful man's residence.' Various forms of this word entered into most of the languages of Europe.

The word 'church' originally meant, 'a powerful man's house' or 'the Lord's house, meaning ‘the ruling man’.

Bro. J.H. Melton was brilliantly countered in a booklet titled; A Response by Dr. Ken Johnson. Dr. Johnson's reply is enough to silence the allegations of many a critic, including Bro. Melton. Let us note; "While honesty demands the admission of the meaning of 'Kuriakos' as meaning that which belongs to the Lord, it is also equally demanded that Bro. Melton's insisting 'ekklesia' means 'assembly' has a problem of equal or greater existence in his own usage. 'Assembly' in English comes from the Old French meaning a gathering of persons. 'Ekklesia' is from two Greek words meaning 'out' and 'to call.' The full thrust means, in the N.T. theological usage, a local visible body called out for a specific purpose. Jesus called this 'my church' (Matt. 16:18) which certainly gives the connotation of belonging to the Lord. Even the sixth meaning of 'church' in the Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary states the meaning as 'A body of Christian believers having the same creed, rites, etc.' (p. 148). The word 'church' goes back in English (Middle English) with the meaning relative to 'kurios' - a lord, originally mighty and this from ‘kuros’ – ‘strength’ cf. Sanskrit, ‘cura’ – ‘a hero’. (See Walter W. Skeat, Etymological Dictionary of the English Language, Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1901, p. 90). In 1340 The Apostle's Creed in English (translated ultimately from Greek) states, Ich y-leve ine ye holy gost. Holy cherche general ische.' (See A.C. Champneys, History of English. London: Rivington, Percival and Co., 1893, p. 263). It is to be noted the date is 1340 or 271 years before the KJV and the word 'cherche' -church is even THEN translated as such for 'ekklesia.' It is also a fact Wickliff uses 'churche' even though he translates the N.T. from Latin; the point is in 1380 he uses the term 'church' as opposed to assembly (Matt. 16:18).... It would in fact be more to the point for Bro. Melton to take Scripture and define 'church' theologically rather than blunder in 1611 'archaic hard to understand English' trying to dig up an 'error."' (Pg. 10).

So we see from the above that there is really no word in English that is the equivalent of 'Ekklesia'. This Greek term is two words in one. Neither 'assembly' nor 'church' is an equivalent, but the latter word, i.e. 'church', is and has been the most widely acceptable translation. Its literal meaning being "that which belongs to the Lord" or "the Lord's house" with the emphasis always on the Spiritual house, which is made up of' baptized believers, covenanted together and meeting in a specific place at specific periods with the specific purpose of carrying out the Lord's commands. Indeed Jesus Christ IS Lord and His Ekklesia is compared to a "Temple," "House," or "Building", in the Bible, quite frequently. (I Corinthians 3:16, Hebrews 3:1-6, I Peter 2:5, et. al.). Only the lack of a proper understanding of the term ‘church’ would make one want to apply it to a physical building, such as a Cathedral, a denomination or even to the entire "Christendom."

Thus Etymologically, the Greek word EKKLESIA and its English translation CHURCH, could apply to nothing but a LOCAL and VISIBLE group of people. The term, as seen before, subsequently applies to three groups: 1) Israel, 2) Greek Legislative Assembly and 3) Christ's CHURCH. It is used in three different senses:

The context determines the sense in which it is used. For further inquisition, we shall proceed into the Scriptural aspect of our study to see whether the church is LOCAL and VISIBLE or UNIVERSAL and INVISIBLE.

Our study in this chapter may seem strenuous to the casual reader, but to those who wish to delve deeper into scriptural truths, it is very beneficial. I urge the serious student to take THE BOOK, i.e. A.V. 1611, and go through each reference given, not only in this chapter, but those mentioned throughout this book. Space does not permit the author to quote all of the Scriptures, and so the reader is begged to confirm each one, personally.

The reason for emphasizing the A.V. 1611, is due to the fact that most of the so-called "Bible" versions, or rather perversions, are very misleading on the CHURCH topic. For example, the reader will find the word "church" in Acts 2:47 missing in most of the modern translations. Also, the word "churches" in Acts 9:31 is mentioned as "church" in these counterfeit books. Upon examining Acts 9:31, the reader will find that Luke was recording the events that took place in the churches (plural) that were existing "… throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria …" Any normal person will agree that there would have been many churches throughout these provinces, but to say that there was only "the church" (singular) throughout these different areas is to insinuate a UNIVERSAL CHURCH and a deliberate perversion of the Scriptures. These are just a couple of examples that show the superiority of the A.V. Also one will find that it is only in the A.V. or KJV that we are commanded to "STUDY" the word of God. This word mentioned only twice in the New Testament, i.e. in I Thessalonians 4:11 and 2 Timothy 2:15, is found both times in the A.V., but is missing in the counterfeits.

Since the New Testament was written in Greek and Ekklesia being a Greek word, we shall take each passage wherever this word is mentioned and examine them, contextually, to see whether the Bible is referring to a UNIVERSAL, INVISIBLE CHURCH or a LOCAL, VISIBLE CHURCH. Also, at the end of each explanation, we shall state the 'sense' in which the word is mentioned. Whether it be Abstract, Particular or Prospective. One "rule of thumb" is to always pay attention to the context. This, in itself, eliminates most of the confusion. Let us note:

4) Acts 2:47, "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." This passage is clearly speaking of the first church which Christ established in Jerusalem. Acts 1:12-15 and 2:41-47 make this point clear. Verse 46 clearly mentions that they gathered ". . .in the temple." It would be rather impossible to gather an entire Universal Church into a SINGLE temple. (Local, Particular)

5) Acts 5:11, "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things." Dr. Luke's narrative of the events that took place in the first church which was located in Jerusalem are described in the book of Acts in Chapters 1-8. He then follows the scattered mobs of this church to the other areas, into which they went and established more local churches as foretold by their FOUNDER in Acts 1:8. Thus Acts 5:11, upon examining its context, is most definitely a reference to the Jerusalem church. (Local, Particular)

6) Acts 7:38, "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:" Here we have Stephen's "defense" and he is referring to the Nation of Israel. As mentioned in our pervious chapter, Ekklesia applied to three different groups in the Bible. This is the only instance where it refers to Israel. Even then, we see that it was an assembly LOCATED in the wilderness and not something Universal and Invisible. (Local, Particular)

7) Acts 8:1, "And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." This passage is self-explanatory. It mentions the location, "...the church which was at Jerusalem." (Local, Particular)

13) Acts 12:5, "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." This verse is further clarified in verse 12. Here we have the assembly of a group of people at a specific period ("the same night" v.6), in a specific place ("the house of Mary" v.12) and for a specific purpose ("prayer was made. . . for him" v.5). It would be insane for anyone to argue that this was a Universal, Invisible Church. (Local, Particular)

15) Acts 14:23, "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." In the verses proceeding this passage, we note that the apostles were on their first missionary journey and had just come through Iconium, Derbe, Lystra (Vs. 20 & 21) and some other places. The word "every" implies that there were several churches. It is hard enough to imagine ONE Universal Church and to say that there are many Universal Churches is absurd. Even Scofield refers to these as "churches (Local)." (Local, Particular)

16) Acts 14:27, " And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Acts 13:1-3 and Acts 14:26 specify that these apostles (Acts 14:14) to the Gentiles were sent from "the church in Antioch" and thus they returned to this LOCAL church upon completion of their journey, and gathered them together and ". . . rehearsed all that God had done with them."(Local, Particular)

17) Acts 15:3, "And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren." This again is a reference to the church in Antioch. Acts 13 - 15 narrate the missionary efforts of this church. (Local, Particular)

18) Acts 15:4, "And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them." Clear reference is made here to the city of Jerusalem. The word 'church' being in the singular indicates to us that there was no other church in this city, in those days, save the one which the Lord Himself established. This was the LOCAL church in Jerusalem. (Local, Particular)

19) Acts 15:22, "Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:" This again was the same church in Jerusalem. The issue that so "upset" the church in Antioch, caused them to send chosen men to the church in Jerusalem, in order to confirm whether circumcision was essential for salvation. This issue needed critical attention and thus the Jerusalem church sent delegates from its own members, in order to settle the issue. (Local, Particular)

20) Acts 15:41, "And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches." Dr. Luke is referring to several churches. Namely, those in Syria and Cilicia, which were started by Paul and Bamabas on their second missionary journey. (Local, Particular)

21) Acts 16:5, "And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily." Paul and Barnabas, still on their second missionary journey, went through the churches which they had started on their first journey, the word 'churches' (plural) is referring to those churches in Derbe, Lystra and Iconiuni (vs. 1-2). (Local, Particular)

22) Acts 18:22, "And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch." This was the church in Caesarea. If it was a Universal Church, then pray tell, why went he up to Caesarea? The futility of such an argument is obvious. (Local, Particular)

23) Acts 19:32, "Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together." Here the word normally rendered 'church' is translated as 'assembly' in order to distinguish between "that which belongs to the Lord" and that which does not. As seen earlier, Ekklesia applies to three different groups in the Bible. 1) Israel, 2) Greek Legislative Assembly and 3) Christ's church. This passage applies to the Greek assembly which met in the city of Ephesus. This same assembly is seen in the next two verses. (Local, Particular)

24) Acts 19:39, "But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly." It would be worthwhile to mention here that neither Christ nor His apostles ever coined the word Ekklesia. It was a term of popular usage in the Greek world, even before Christ's first advent. (Local, Particular)

25) Acts 19:41, "And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly." Assembly has the same meaning as the two previous verses. This was a Greek assembly, which met, in order to condemn Paul, while he was in the city of Ephesus. (Local, Particular)

26) Acts 20:17, "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church." Paul's ministry in the city of Ephesus is recorded in Acts 19 & 20. It is self-evident here that Paul called for the elders of the Ephesian church. (Local, Particular)

27) Acts 20:28, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Same as above. The church that Paul instructed tiaese elders to feed was the Ephesian church. (Local, Particular)

28) Romans 16:1, "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:" Here is a self-explanatory verse: "… the church which is at Cenchrea:" This Church is not Universal! (Local, Particular)

29) Romans 16:4, "Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles." The word is 'churches' (plural), indicating all the churches of the Gentiles. (Local, Particular)

30) Romans 16:5, "Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ." This was the church that gathered in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. Imagine gathering an entire Universal Church into one house. If this was the case, then Aquila and Priscilla probably had the biggest house in the world. A house so large that even the Roman Emperors would have been outdone. To pursue such a train of thought is utterly ridiculous. (Local, Particular)

31) Romans 16:16, "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you." Again, the word 'churches' (plural) is used. Any one will agree that there cannot be more than ONE Universal Church, for there is but one Universe. But it will most readily be accepted, by the mind that is open to the truth, that there can be as many local churches as there are locations. The plural usage of the word, "churches" always applies to various locations. (Local, Particular)

34) I Corinthians 4:17, "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church." - If there really was such a thing as the Universal Church, it would have spared Paul from such extensive travels. He could've taught every one in it at the same time. But Paul never claimed or even indicated any such a monstrosity. He personally traveled to every particular church, regardless of where they were located and taught them. (Local, Particular)

35) I Corinthians 6:4, "If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church." Determine the context. Who is Paul addressing? Indeed it was the church at Corinth. Paul wrote this epistle while he was at Ephesus and sent it to Corinth. (Local, Particular)

36) I Corinthians 7:17, " But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." By now the plural usage of the word 'churches' should have taken a concrete meaning in the understanding of the reader, that several particular assemblies are being referred to. (Local, Particular)

37) I Corinthians 10:32, "Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: This "...church of God" was at Corinth (I Cor. 1:2). Even Scofield says local' and 'visible'. (Local, Particular)

41) I Corinthians 12:28, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."- Refer to our previous chapters and it will be seen that Paul is referring to Luke 6:13 & Mark 3:13, where God (Jesus Christ) first set the apostles in His church, which He established in Jerusalem. (Local, Particular)

42) I Corinthians 14:4, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church."- Paul in this chapter rebukes the Corinthian church for their lack of discipline and understanding regarding the gift of tongues. (Local, Particular)

44) I Corinthians 14:12, "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church."- Same as above. (Local, Particular)

45) I Corinthians 14:19, "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." Same as above. This verse is for those who are under the influence of Pentecostalism / Charismaticism. If this entire chapter were read with an unbiased mind, it would convince the reader that Pentecostalism / Charismaticism is unscriptural. (Local, Particular)

46) I Corinthians 14:23, "If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?" ". . . the whole church be come together into ONE PLACE," (emphasis mine). When has the entire Universal Church come into one place? (Local, Particular)

47) I Corinthians 14:28, "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." Same as above. (Local, Particular)

48) I Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." Refer to our notes on Romans 16:16 and I Corinthians 7:17. "churches", plural. (Local, Particular)

49) I Corinthians 14:34, "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law." Same as above. (Local, Particular)

50) I Corinthians 14:35, "And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." Refer to note #42. (Local, Particular)

51) I Corinthians 15:9, "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." The only church, that the Bible records Paul as persecuting, was the one in Jerusalem. Paul could never have persecuted a Universal, Invisible Church, for it would have been intangible. (Local, Particular)

52) I Corinthians 16:1, "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye." "churches", plural. (Local, Particular)

53) I Corinthians 16:19, "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." Same as above. (Local, Particular)

54) I Corinthians 16:19, "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." The word Ekklesia is mentioned twice in this verse. Refer to our note on Romans 16:5. (Local, Particular)

55) II Corinthians 1:1, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:" Refer to our note on I Corinthians 1:2. This was addressed to the church at Corinth. It had an address. What address does a Universal Church have? (Local, Particular)

56) II Corinthians 8:1, "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;" "churches of Macedonia." (Local, Particular)

57) II Corinthians 8:18, "And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;" Refer notes #31 & #36. (Local, Particular)

58) II Corinthians 8:19, "And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:" Same as above. (Local, Particular)

59) II Corinthians 8:23, "Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ." Same as above. (Local, Particular)

60) II Corinthians 8:24, "Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf." Same as above. (Local, Particular)

61) II Corinthians 11:8, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service." How was it possible for Paul to rob a church that is Universal and Invisible? It is beyond ones imagination. But here the word 'churches' is plural thus leaving no scope for a Universal Church. These were "churches (local)" as even Scofield admits. (Local, Particular)

62) II Corinthians 11:28, "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches." If there really was a Universal, Invisible Church then Paul would have had to worry about only ONE church, relieving him of a lot of stress. Also, his stress would have been as "invisible" as that "Church." But that was not the case. Paul laments that the care of "all the churches" was upon him. There were scores of local churches, located in many different locations. Refer to our note # 34. (Local, Particular)

63) II Corinthians 12:13, "For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong." Refer to notes #31 & #36. (Local, Particular)

64) Galatians 1:2, "And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:" Churches located in Galatia. (Local, Particular)

65) Galatians 1:13, "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:" Refer to our notes #8 & #51. (Local, Particular)

66) Galatians 1:22, "And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:" Not the "Church in Judea" but "the churches of Judea." Located in Judea. (Local, Particular)

67) Ephesians 1:22, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," This and the following nine verses are the most beloved passages of the proponents of the Universal, Invisible Church. Mr. Scofield calls this the "true" church. Not even the slightest indication of such a "Church" was made in all of the proceeding 66 references. Yet the Universal Churchites claim that the Bible suddenly introduces us to a new subject. A subject so foreign and contrary to all of the proceeding 66 passages. I suspect a problem with the understanding of the Universal Churchite. My question to them is that, "if Paul was speaking of a Universal Church, then why does he address it to the city of Ephesus? Does the Universal Church exist in Ephesus?" It will readily be agreed by any honest Bible student that there was a church already in existence at Ephesus. Refer to our notes # 26 & 27. This being true, Ephesians 1:23 beautifully fits in with Ephesians 3:19, where Paul is praying PARTICULARLY for the Ephesian church.

As seen in our previous chapters, Ekklesia, had '3* different usages. 1) Generic/Abstract, 2) Specific/Particular 3) Futuristic/Prospective. Here is a classic example of the word being used in a Generic/Abstract sense. Paul continues such usage in the next 9 references. Christ is the Head of:

All three being local in their usage. The Bible does not contradict itself in teaching two conflicting subjects. If it did, then Ephesians 4:4 would be unexplainable. But it is the Universal Churchite who is wrong, for he falsely assumes what the Bible does not teach. The Bible is simple and straight and can be understood by those who are willing to be in subjection to its authority. This is merely a case of the word, Ekklesia, being mentioned in a different sense and not a change of meaning. (Local, Abstract)

68) Ephesians 3:10, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God," Same as above. (Local, Abstract)

69) Ephesians 3:21, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Here again the word, 'church', is mentioned in the Generic/Abstract sense. God can receive glory in:

Each of the above being LOCAL in their own usage. We use Generic/Abstract terms almost all of the time. For example, if we were to say; "The right pair of SHOES are the secret of an athlete’s success!" By this, we do not mean an Invisible, Universal pair of SHOES. We are only using the word. ‘Shoes’, Generically/Abstractly. But when the ABSTRACT is SPECIFIED, then we would have to name the pair of SHOES. We would probably say; "Most athlete's attribute their success to SHOES made by Reebok, Adidas, Nike or whichever other brand."

The same is being done in this passage with the usage of the word church. Paul says; "Unto him be glory in the church. . ." When the ABSTRACT word, "church", is SPECIFIED, then he would have to name the church. He would have to say; "Unto him be glory in the Ephesian church, the Jerusalem church, the Antioch church, etc.," or whichever other church that may have been in existence at that time. The meaning of the word, church, has not changed in the least. This will be further dealt with in our chapter entitled "Logically." (Local, Abstract)

70) Ephesians 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Same as above. (Local, Abstract)

71) Ephesians 5:24, "Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." Same as above. (Local, Abstract)

72) Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Same as above.

73) Ephesians 5:27.' Same as above.

74) Ephesians 5:29 - Refer to note #79.

75) Ephesians 5:32 - See note #67. (Local, Abstract) 76) Philippians3:6 - Refer notes #8, 51& 65. (Local, Particular)

77) Philippians 4:15 - Paul is praising the Philippian church for their generous giving toward his ministry. (Local, Particular)

78) Colossians 1:18 - Refer to note # 67. (Local, Abstract)

79) Colossians 1:24 - Paul compares the church in this passage and in other passages, such as I Corinthians 12 & Ephesians 5, to a human body. It would be insane and ludicrous to claim that a human body can be Universal and Invisible! Thus it is with the Lord's body. His church.

Another point is that, as seen in note # 67, if Paul was writing to a Universal Church, then why would he address it to the city of Colosse? Was the Universal Church in Colosse? Also, in Colossians 4:16, Paul urges them to read this epistle even among the church of the Laodiceans. If the Universal Church was in Colosse, then why was it necessary to read this epistle in the church of the Laodiceans? (Local, Abstract)

80) Colossians 4:15 -This church gathered in the house of Nymphas. Refer to note #30 and #32. (Local, Particular)

81) Colossians 4:16 - This church was LOCAL to the city of Laodicea. Refer to note #79. (Local, Particular)

86) I Timothy 3:5 - Paul's instructions are that a man has to take care of his own house, before he can under gird a church. If the church is Universal and Invisible then even this man's house would have to be Universal and Invisible. One is just as valid as the other. Such an argument is nonsensical. The church that Paul is speaking of, is just as local and visible as the man himself, who was to be its caretaker, and his house. (Local, Particular)

87) I Timothy 3:15 - As above, Paul once again compares the church to a house. Let me insert here, that in the Bible, the church is compared to 1) A BODY, 2) A BUILDING and 3) A BRIDE. Note that not a one of these three comparisons is ever understood as being Universal and Invisible. Every BODY (human) in this world is local and visible, every BUILDING in this world is local and visible and also every BRIDE in this world is local and visible. Even the Universal Churchite understands these three comparisons to be local and visible, but when it comes to the CHURCH, itself, his thinking gets warped. Absurd are the thoughts of a Universalite. A deeper insight into this passage would reveal to us that this is a reference to the church in Ephesus, for this is where Timothy was. I Timothy 1:3. (Local, Particular)

88) I Timothy 5:16 - If all the widows had to depend on a Universal Invisible Church for their relief, they'd starve to death. For its funds are as INVISIBLE as the Church itself. This again is the church at Ephesus, as seen above. (Local, Particular)

89) Philemon 2 - I doubt if Philemon could fit an entire Universal Church into his house. Refer to note #30 & #32. (Local, Particular)

90) Hebrews 2:12 - This passage is a reference to the fulfillment of the prophecy mentioned in Psalms 22:22. As discussed m our previous chapters, Jesus did establish His church, while He was on this earth, in Jerusalem, with the twelve Apostles. On the night of His betrayal, in the garden of Gethsemene, He sang a song along with these Apostles, with the exception of Judas. Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26. This passage clearly refers to this group, i.e. Christ and His Apostles, as a church. (Local, Particular)

91) Hebrews 12:23 - Here is our passage in which the FUTURE church is spoken of. It is still PROSPECTIVE and will gather in the City of God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Vs. 22. Christ started His church in the earthly Jerusalem and it will end up in the heavenly Jerusalem. (Local, Prospective)

92) James 5:14 - If as in note #88, the sick had to wait upon the elders of a Universal, Invisible Church to come and pray over them, they are sure to die in their sickness, for the elders of a Universal, Invisible Church would be as INVISIBLE as the Church itself. Visiting and praying for the sick is a ministry given to every local church as we see throughout the book of Acts. (Local, Particular)

93) III John 6 - Context reveals to us that this short epistle was written to Gaius. As seen in Romans 16:23 and I Corinthians 1:14, Gaius hosted the church at Corinth in his house. He was a very hospitable and charitable person and this was witnessed before the entire church. (Local, Particular)

94) III John 9 - Same as above. Refer #67 & #79. (Local, Particular)

95) II I John 10 - Diotrephes was a person. Every person is local and visible. And if Diotrephes was local and visible, then definitely the church in which he sought to have preeminence would have been of the same nature. (Local, Particular)

96) Revelation 1:4 - ". . .the seven churches which are in Asia." Clearly, local and visible assemblies. (Local, Particular)

97) Revelation 1:11 - Same as above. (Local, Particular)

98) Revelation 1:20 - Same as above. (Local, Particular)

99) Revelation 1:20 - Same as above. (Local, Particular)

100) Revelation 2:1 – "…church of Ephesus." Definitely NOT a Universal, Invisible Church. (Local, Particular)

101) Revelation 2:7 - The entire book of Revelation was written specifically to the seven churches in Asia. (Local, Particular)

113) Revelation 3:14 - "church in Laodicea." (Local, Particular)

114) Revelation 3:22 - Refer note # 101. (Local, Particular)

115) Revelation 22:16 - The word Ekklesia is mentioned 20 times in the book of Revelation, as seen in the proceeding passages. ALL of these verses clearly and concretely speak of SPECIFIC churches. It should also be noticed that 19 out of these 20 references, proceeded directly from the mouth of our Glorified Savior and Lord, and never once does He even make the slightest indication of any such a thing as the Universal, Invisible Church. He refers to each church according to their PARTICULAR LOCATION. (Local, Particular)

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN verses of Scripture have been placed before the reader. These are ALL the passages in which the word Ekklesia, appears in the New Testament. We shall further categorize these passages according to their usage, if the reader would go back and check, it will be found that the word Ekklesia is mentioned in the Abstract/Generic sense, 14 times, it is mentioned in the Futuristic/Prospective sense, 1 time and is mentioned 100 times in the Specific/Particular sense. It is these 14 Abstract/Generic passages that the Universal, Invisible Church proponents vehemently advocate. They would rather "hold on to" and place more emphasis on these 14 passages and leave alone the 100 references in which the Bible specifically speaks about LOCAL and PARTICULAR churches. How foolish can one get?

But again, even these 14 Abstract/Generic references speak of LOCAL churches. As it has been pointed out and will further be dealt with that, when the Abstract/Generic usage is defined, then it takes on a Specific/Particular meaning. Refer to our notes numbered 67 and 69. Thus, SCRIPTURALLY speaking, the church can be nothing but a LOCAL and VISIBLE body. Even the one incident where it is Futuristic/Prospective, it is still NOT a Universal, Invisible Church, for it will be LOCAL and VISIBLE in the Heavenly Jerusalem. Note # 91. Let us continue our study into the next chapter from a different perspective, i.e. NUMERICALLY.

Someone has said that, "There is no language without numerals." True it is that NUMBERS have become a very essential part of our day to day lives. Telephones, TV. Channels, Computers, Petrol (Gas) Stations, Speedometers, Thermometers, etc., etc., all work on the principle of "Digits" or Numbers.

But I know that there will be who those will deny the way in which 'numbers' work and they are true to an extent, because numbers don't always work the way in which we expect them to. But this is due to the fact that the world in which we now live, is totally marred by the sins of mankind and all that God has so perfectly created, is in a state of imbalance. Romans 8:18-23.

E.W. Bullinger in his book, Number in Scripture, discusses how man has so sullied the perfection that God had once placed in Numbers. He says that man, due to his fallen state, "… cannot tell you what year it really is! No subject is in more hopeless confusion, made worse by those who desire the dates to fit in with their theories of numbers. . . " (Pages 3 & 4)

Regardless of man's impotency, we see in the Bible that God DID create a perfect world, both Physically and Numerically. Thus we refer to it as "The Creation Week," labeling it with the perfect number, '7'.

I have, in my personal study, found it very edifying that the Bible can NOT only be read but can also be counted. Numbers do work in the Bible, especially in the A.V. 1611.

God, Himself, places high value on numerals, thus He appropriately named a book after them called, NUMBERS. The Bible and God refer to people who can COUNT as being wise. Psalms 90:12 and Rev. 13:18. David, speaking of God's OMNISCIENCE and WISDOM, refers to Him as the One Who, "...telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite." Ps. 147: 4-5.

Numbers are God's "secret" code. Much can be said about this subject, but I urge the serious student to pursue this beautiful subject on his own. Many helpful books are available on this subject. Some of them are mentioned in the bibliography.

The numbers that we are dealing with are those mentioned in the Bible. In our study we shall see how numbers pertain to the 'church.' It is interesting, but the Bible begins with its first book describing '7' days and ends with its last book describing '7' churches. Our focus will be, not on the number '7', but '22'. The number '22' is mentioned 264 times in THE BOOK. 264, when divided by '12', which is the number of Divine Administration, leaves us again with '22.' Or 22 x 12 = 264. What then is so significant about this number. As we shall see, it is a number that refers to 'LIGHT.'

In John 8:12, Jesus says that He is "the light of the world," and sure enough, John mentions this word, light', exactly 22 times in his entire gospel. Psalm 119:105 states that God's word is a LIGHT unto our path. And again, David in keeping with his theme, divides Psalm 119, into '22' sections according to the Hebrew alphabet. There are exactly ‘22’ letters in the Hebrew language.

Also, the total number of books in the Bible are 66. This number divided by '3' gives us '22.' Indeed God's Word, THE BOOK, is a LIGHT unto our path.

Our above mentioned examples show us that the number 22 applies to LIGHT and that this word and its descriptive number, apply to Jesus Christ, God's Physical Word (John 1:1) and also to The Bible, God's Written Word. We will also note with other examples that any thing that has to do with 'LIGHT' in the Bible, is most definitely marked by the number 22.

Let us now turn to Exodus 25:31-37. We have here the description of the Candlestick that was to be placed in the Tabernacle. If one would take note; there are 7 stems on the candlestick. The middle stem is also its main shaft. This 'middle stem' or 'main shaft' bore 3 more stems or branches on either of its sides, giving us 6 stems on both sides. Each stem or branch held 3 bowls. That is, 6 stems holding 3 bowls each, making '18' bowls. Now, the 'main shaft', itself, held '4' bowls, giving us a total of '22' bowls. These '22' bowls held the oil and the wicks, which were lit by the priests, for the significant purpose of giving LIGHT.

Let us go to the book called NUMBERS: to the 3rd chapter, verses 38 and 39. We have here the numbering of the Levites who were encamped toward the eastern side of the Tabernacle. Since the Sun rises in the east, we will, again, see a number that is significant to LIGHT. The total number of Levites that were appointed to minister ‘light’ unto the people is mentioned here as 22,000. 22 x 1000 = 22 000. 1000 in the Bible is the number for the 'glory of God.' (Daniel 7:10 and Revelation 5:11).

God is being glorified in these passages, and the expression that is used to describe this act is mentioned in the multiples of thousands. Thus 1 000 is the glory of God. These 22 000 Levites took care of the ministration of ‘light’ in the Tabernacle, to the Glory of God.

These and many other such examples show us the perfection in the Word of God and also go on to prove that God's Word is indeed, GOD’S WORD, given by divine inspiration and that there is no other book in the entire universe that can come anywhere even near to the BIBLE, i.e. the A.V. of 1611. The examples are too numerous and thus we cannot explain them away as mere coincidences. But let us not deviate from the subject at hand. Our purpose is to show that the 'church' is LOCAL and VISIBLE even from a numerical standpoint.

22 being the number of LIGHT applies to: 1) the Candlestick, 2) God's written Word and also to 3) God's Physical Word, i.e. the Lord Jesus Christ. Besides these God has another LIGHT giving agency on earth. That is His true church.

Jesus, in Matthew 5:14, told His church that they were the LIGHT of the world. Note again that the church was already in existence at this time. The events that are mentioned in Mark 3:13-19 and Luke 6:12-49 are recorded by Matthew from a different perspective in Matthew chapters 5-7. Since Christ compares His 'Bride', the church, to a LIGHT, He keeps His usage of the word Ekklesia to exactly 22 occurances, throughout the Bible. Now we know that the entire Bible is God's own word, but there are some "red-letter" editions of the Bible that distinguish between what other authors wrote and that which was spoken directly by the Lord Jesus Christ. If the reader has such an edition, it will be seen that all of the verses that we shall refer to, where the word Ekklesia was directly used by our Lord,, will be found printed in the 'red' color.

Christ compares His church, not just to 'Light', but also to a 'candlestick.' This can be found, not only in the gospel of Matthew 5:14-15, but more strikingly in the book of Revelation 1:20. After such a comparison, and probably to put a double emphasis on this fact, our Lord Jesus uses the word, Ekklesia or church, exactly '22' times in the New Testament. The verses are as follows:

1) Matthew 16:18 2) Matthew 18:17 3) Matthew 18:17 4) Revelation 1:11 5) Revelation 1:20 6) Revelation 1:20 7) Revelation 2:1 8) Revelation 2:7 9) Revelation 2:8 10) Revelation 2:11 11) Revelation 2:12 12) Revelation 2:17 13) Revelation2:18 14) Revelation 2:23 15) Revelation 2:29 16) Revelation 3:1 17) Revelation 3:6 18) Revelation 3:7 19) Revelation 3:13 20) Revelation 3:14 21) Revelation 3:22 and 22) Revelation 22:16.

I request the reader to go to our proceeding chapter, entitled "Scripturally", and check the notes for each one of these passages. These are the only 22 passages in the entire Bible, where we find that Christ, from His own lips, uttered the word Ekklesia, and this in keeping, with His comparison of the church to a LIGHT.

Of these passages, we can concretely affirm that 21 of them are, beyond any doubt, references to LOCAL and VISIBLE churches, it is only Matthew 16:18 that most of the Ecumenical crowd would claim are referring to a Universal, Invisible Church. If that is the case, then the odds are 21:1. Why would Christ, so clearly, refer to local churches 21 times and cause confusion in just 1 verse? Oh, but it is NOT Christ, who is causing the confusion (I Corinthians 14:33), it is the Universal, Invisible Churchite. This verse, i.e. Matthew 16:18, will be clearly expounded in our succeeding chapter entitled, "PRACTICALLY."

Jesus Christ, in saying that His LOCAL and VISIBLE church is the LIGHT of the world, kept true to His word, even NUMERICALLY. To split these 22 references in any way would ruin their numerical significance and cause great confusion. There are over 22 churches in 115 passages that are mentioned by their location.

Also, of the 115 passages in our previous chapter, if we were to eliminate 5 passages, i.e. Acts 7:38, which speaks of Israel in the Old Testament, Acts 19: 32, 39 & 41 which pertain, not to the New Testament church, but to the Greek civil or legislative assembly and Hebrews 12:23, which speaks of the future glorified church, it would leave us with 110 references, which speak of local and visible churches, here upon this earth. '22' x '5' = '110'. There would be those, who would include Ephesians 5:27 as speaking of a "future church." But the context reveals to us that it is an Abstract/Generic reference to the church and not a Futuristic/Prospective one (Refer to note #73). "That he might present IT. . . a glorious church. . . ." (Emphasis mine). The word IT could refer to the Ephesian church or any other church for that matter. It is an Abstract reference to the church, while here on earth.

In this chapter, we shall study the purpose and practicality of a church. We shall see which kind of a church is more "ideal" or "practical, a local and visible church or a universal and invisible church. In order to do so, we-must once again make clear the fact that, the New Testament church was established by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, well before the day of Pentecost. The reason for such a clarification is that, if the period of the establishment of the church can be determined then the purpose of its establishment can also be defined.

I have heard much preaching on Matthew 16:18. Most of these preachers confuse the masses with a lot of linguistic jargon. They stress the words, "WILL BUILD", in this passage and insinuate to the listener that Christ is speaking of building His Church, yet in the future. After such a statement, they immediately add their conclusion that, since Christ spake "futuristically", what better time to start His Church than on the day of Pentecost? Such is the reasoning of the entire Ecumenical world today. They rigorously insist that "the Holy Spirit baptized all the believers on the day of Pentecost into a Mystical, Universal, invisible Body of Christ, or Church." This theory is a result of ultra or hyper-dispensationalism and lacks any Scriptural support. Of course, it sounds good and is palatable to every "Tom, Dick and Harry" in today's, so called "Christian" world. But it is the most dangerous and deceptive device of the devil. It is uniting all of the "denominations" in the "Christian" world under one banner, and preparing them as a One World ‘Church’, which will meet its doom in the 7 year tribulation.

Many a statement can be manipulated, simply by restating it with the emphasis on the words that were not originally meant to be emphasized. Much of the same manipulation concerns the subject of the church. Here in Matthew 16:18, if the reader would only examine the word ‘BUILD’, much confusion can be avoided.

The word used here in the Greek is "oikodomeo". This word literally means, "to build up", "to strengthen", or "to edify", as it has been translated elsewhere in the New Testament. Paul, in Ephesians 4:12,16&29, uses this same word and there we see it translated as "edifying".

We use the term "body building" to refer to a person who performs physical exercise. By this, we do not mean that that person is establishing a body that was previously non existent, but that the person is "building up" the body that he already has. Even so, Jesus Christ was not speaking of establishing His church, but rather edifying it "upon the Rock." Christ's Ekkiesia was already established and existing, it only needed edifying, i.e. building up or strengthening.

Thus, Christ established His church, during the early part of His ministry. Refer to Luke 6:12-49, Matthew 5 - 7 and Mark 3:13 - 19. This church consisted of the 12 apostles. It was LOCAL, in that they gathered themselves around Christ (Mark 3:14, "… that they should be with him." & Mark 6:30) within the regions of Jerusalem and VISIBLE, just as visible as Christ Himself was. In I John 1:1, John excitedly explains Christ's tangibility. He says: "… which we have heard, which we have seen, … and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;"

Jesus Christ ordained them to be with Him so that He could later send them forth to preach. This was His purpose in establishing a local and visible church. Given below is a list of responsibilities that Christ gave to His church, which they possessed and performed before the day of Pentecost. Observe:

12) They were ordained. Mark 3:14 & John 15:16

13) They had a missions program. Matthew 10:1-11:1

14) They were commissioned. Matthew 28:18 - 20

This list is by no means complete, but it is representative. I re-emphasize that they possessed and performed all of these responsibilities before the day of Pentecost. Let us take a few notes: Only a pastor can only lead a local church, unless, of course, one believes in popery. Even then, the Pope CANNOT oversee and take care of all of his sheep at the same time. How about a treasurer? How can a Universal, Invisible Church have a treasurer? Where would he be and how would he gather the money? Even if he did, it would only be invisible money!

Consider a membership roll. How would you go about enlisting the names of all the members of a Universal, Invisible Church? Also, without a membership list, how would they gather for prayer meetings? How would they determine if all of the members were present? For if all of the members cannot be gathered together, how can they be commissioned or even ordained? Just how could they go out and preach? These questions might seem far fetched and unnecessary, but if -one is serious in considering church matters, then each one of these questions is valid. For they go to prove the utter impracticality of the Universal, Invisible Church. If a "church" can not function in a practical way then Christ's purposes are defeated.

But, you say; "A person need not belong to a local church. Neither is it essential for anyone to be sent FROM a local church, in order to fulfil the Great Commission. A person can work more freely and efficiently, without the involvement of a group of people in his/her life."

Those who support such reasoning are basically implying that they 'do not want to be under subjection of any higher authority.' That they 'do not wish to be accountable to any Christ made organization or institution; here on earth. This is the very reason why we have 'preachers' "coming out of our ears." Every one that comes along claims to be INDEPENDENT, meaning that they do not identify with or belong to any LOCAL church. "Freelance" preachers !

I recall a man, who claimed to be such a preacher. He received funding from a local church, somewhere in the United States. There was a time when the church, that so lovingly sent contributions toward his "ministry", asked him to give a general report as to "how their money was being used!" To this, the preacher was outraged and wrote back to the pastor of that church, stating that they had no business in interfering with his affairs, and that they could stop the money, if they were going to further question him about it.

Such are the attitudes of these "independent" preachers. They claim that God called them, and in most cases, that He did so directly, i.e. through visions, dreams, strong feelings and emotions, etc., due to which they are directly accountable to God and not to any church. These so called "independent preachers," the ones who are unaccountable to any church, have come in and often preach, what they like, where they like, and how they like. No, Christ’s scriptural organization upon this earth is to check their doctrine and discipline them if needed. Thus, today in "Christendom", we have new denominations and even cults popping up more frequently than we have people genuinely being saved. The rebellion of these "preachers" has caused many to turn away from the true Gospel. In most cases, those who have turned away even become ANTI-CHRISTIAN. Paul, with much sorrow warned the early churches concerning such preachers. Philippians 3:17-19, Romans 16:17-18, II Corinthians 11:13-15, et al.

The Lord Jesus Christ organized and ordained the 12 apostles into a church with the very purpose of sending them forth to preach the Gospel. Matthew 10: 5-7 and Mark 3:14. This, they were to do, beginning from Jerusalem even unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Acts 1:8. Why Jerusalem? Because this church was LOCAL to that city.

When Jesus spoke His final words upon this earth and gave the Great Commission, He did NOT generally say, "every person who believes on Me should take the gospel out". Rather, He called His small church aside, into a mountain, and privately commanded them to fulfil the Commission of preaching and teaching the Gospel. Matthew 28:10 & 16-20. In Matthew 16:19, He had already given "the keys of the kingdom of heaven" to His church. Thus the authority to take the Gospel forth remains with a LOCAL, NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH. Anyone who wishes to carry the Gospel forth, MUST be authorized by and sent from such a church. Paul explains this to the church in Rome, (NOT Catholic), in Romans 10:14-15. True to his word, Paul was authorized and sent from a New Testament church. We see the events beautifully illustated in Acts 13:1-4. You will not find one preacher who was not sent out by a New Testament church, with the possible exception of Apollos (Acts 18:24-28). Apollos, however, was not properly schooled in N