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Church
In plain words
The people who belong to Jesus, gathered together, not a building.
When the Bible says church, it never means a building. It means people: everyone who belongs to Jesus, and the local groups where they meet. A building can be empty, but the church cannot, because the church is the people. Paul compares it to a body: you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27). Every part is needed.
Go further Growing
The first Christians met to learn from the apostles, eat together, share what they had and pray (Acts 2:42). The Bible says not to give up meeting together, but to encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). Some say they can follow Jesus alone. But faith grows best among people who know you, pray for you and are honest with you. Look for a local church that teaches the Bible and loves people.
Go deeper Going deeper
Greek ekklesia means an assembly, people called together, and the Greek Old Testament used it for the gathered people of Israel. Jesus promised to build His church, and nothing will stop it (Matthew 16:18). The church is both one worldwide family and many local gatherings. Christians differ on how a church should be led, for example by bishops, elders or the whole congregation, so learn how your local church does it.
My verses
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.