Questions and Answers

[Sue J Love]

Q: Do you think that God still uses churches to share the good news of Jesus and to help believers grow in their faith?

Let’s define “church.”

The church is the ekklēsía, the universal body of believers in Jesus Christ who are of genuine God-persuaded faith in Jesus Christ via dying with Christ to sin and walking in obedience to his commands, by the grace of God. It is also the assembly (congregation, gatherings) of those whose lives are committed to following the Lord Jesus in obedience to his commands. The ekklēsía (church) are the people of God who are called out from the world and to God, i.e. all those belonging to God who follow him in his ways.

Let’s define “the good news of Jesus.”

The “good news of Jesus” is the gospel of Christ, the gospel of our salvation, which teaches us that, by God-persuaded and God-gifted faith in the Lord we must be crucified with him in death to sin and raised with him to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin but now as servants of righteousness who walk in obedience to the Lord’s commands, in practice. It is not all those who merely give lip service to the Lord. For if we continue in deliberate and habitual sin, and not in walks of obedience to our Lord, according to Jesus and his apostles, we will not inherit eternal life with God.

[Matt 7:13-14,21-23; Lu 9:23-26; Jn 10:27-30; Ac 26:18; Rom 2:6-8; Rom 6:1-23; Rom 8:1-14; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Co 6:9-10,19-20; 1 Co 10:1-22; 2 Co 5:10,15,21; Gal 5:16-24; Gal 6:7-8; Eph 2:8-10; Eph 4:17-32; Eph 5:3-6; Col 1:21-23; Col 3:1-17; Tit 2:11-14; Heb 3:1-19; Heb 4:1-13; Heb 10:23-31; Heb 12:1-2; 1 Pet 2:24; 1 Jn 1:5-10; 1 Jn 2:3-6,15-17; 1 Jn 3:4-10]

Let’s define “believers in Christ.”

Belief in Jesus Christ is the persuasion of God in our lives as to his holiness and righteousness, and of our sinfulness, and of our need to deny self, die with him to sin daily, by the Spirit, and to walk with him in obedience to his commands, in practice, by the grace of God. Faith = obedience, and disobedience = unbelief. And this faith is authored by Jesus Christ, it comes from God, it is persuaded of God, and it is gifted to us by God. It is not of our own doing – not of our own fleshly “good works” – so we don’t get to define what faith is. God’s word does. But it results in us doing the good works which God prepared in advance that we should walk in them.

[Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 1:12-13; John 6:44; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:23-31; Hebrews 12:1-2]

So much of what is called “church” today is NOT the ekklēsía, but they are businesses created in the minds of human beings being marketed to the world like any other business, with the aim being to attract the world to their products. And from my experiences, and based on many years of research and listening to people and reading their stuff, I would estimate that such “churches” as this are in the majority here in America, and that the pure ekklēsía biblical gatherings of the church are rare and very hard to find.

And so many of these market-driven “churches,” incorporated under the state, in trying to attract the world to their gatherings, have altered the character of God/Christ, of his church, and of his gospel message to make them more attractive and acceptable to the ungodly and to human flesh. I don’t know of any which are teaching “the whole counsel of God,” and many have cut the gospel in half, purposefully leaving out certain Scriptures and teaching others out of context in order to teach lies, and not the truth.

Thus many of them are teaching that all we have to do is make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and now we are “saved” and on our way to heaven, but regardless of how we live. Others teach that to believe in Jesus we do not have to repent of (turn from) our sins, and we do not have to obey God, for they call that “works salvation.” And very few teach that if sin is what we practice, and not righteousness, and not obedience to God, that we will not inherit eternal life with God. But that is part of the gospel message, too.

Q: Do you think that God still calls people to Pastor churches?

Let’s define “pastor” and the biblical role of the pastor (shepherd) and the biblical qualifications for someone to be a pastor of a church.

“Pastors” is only used once, that I am aware of, in Ephesians 4:11, in a list which includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service (ministry), to the building up of the body of Christ. So their purpose is to spiritually equip and train us, the body of Christ, to do the work of the ministry, and to exercise our body parts and our spiritual gifts within the gatherings of the church for the exhortation and encouragement and spiritual growth of the church, as a whole.

So they are not to be the only ones doing the preaching/teaching, and they also need to be those who meet the biblical qualifications of overseers, if their position is one of shepherd and overseer of the body of believers in Christ. If they do not meet the biblical qualifications, which are pretty strict, then they shouldn’t be serving as overseers over the body of Christ. And in the New Testament church, it appears that these overseers served in positions over the church in the whole city, so they may not have been at every gathering of the church, much of which went on in people’s homes.

Yes, someone needs to be in charge, but he must meet the biblical qualifications of overseer, and he is to help the body of believers to do the work of the ministry. He is not the whole show, in other words. And his words need to be being tested by others in the congregation who are men of God who know and live the Scriptures to make certain that what he is teaching is biblical truth and not lies (half-truths intended to appease human flesh). And he is to shepherd the sheep, not as lording it over those allotted to his charge, but proving to be an example to the flock, in lifestyle.

See: [Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4]

Q: Do you think the church as a whole would be better off to stop meeting together in church buildings?

Let’s define “church buildings.”

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:10)

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

The ”building” built physically by human hands is NOT “the church.” We who have trusted in Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of our lives, who are no longer living in sin, but who are walking in obedience to the Lord, in practice, are that building, which is spiritual, not physical. Where we meet together can be anywhere on any day of the week at any time of day or night, and it doesn’t even have to be in a physical location. It may be via a phone call or a letter or a text message or a social media or blog post on the internet.

Let’s define “the church meeting together.”

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16

The location, the day of the week, or time of day is irrelevant. We can meet anywhere appropriate to having genuine fellowship with one another where we, as the body parts, are given opportunity to use our spiritual gifts, given to us of the Spirit, where we can function in our body parts (our assignments from God for within the body of Christ) in encouraging, in exhorting, and in speaking the truth, in love, to one another so that none of us is led astray by false doctrines and by deceitful men and by the deceitfulness of sin. And this happens when “each part is working properly.” This is how we grow together.

Q: If so, what do you think the better solution would be?

The better solution, in place of these institutional partnered with the government (incorporated under the state) market-driven (called) “churches,” is what the Scriptures teach about “church,” and about the “gatherings of the church,” and what they should look like, and how they should operate, and where, when, and how often. All noted above.

[Matt 5:13-16; Matt 28:18-20; Lu 6:27-28; Jn 4:31-38; Jn 13:13-17; Jn 14:12; Ac 1:8; Ac 2:14-18; Ac 26:18; Rom 10:14-15; Rom 12:1-8; Rom 15:14; 1 Co 12:1-31; 1 Co 14:1-5; Gal 6:1; Eph 2:8-10; Eph 4:1-16; Eph 5:11-27; Eph 6:10-20; Php 2:1-8; Col 1:9; Col 3:12-16; Tit 2:11-14; Heb 3:13; Heb 10:23-25; Jas 5:19-20; 1 Pet 2:9,21; 1 Jn 2:6; Jude 1:22-23]

An Original Work / April 1, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

 

[Johanabrahams]

The Almighty God, Jehovah, who spoke in Jesus said a "Meeting" is in the "Name of Jesus" in 2 and 3 Persons. Which is "the Gospel". Because to the "Believers" this mean they meet as "churches" with the Living God, their "Abba Father/Daddy" in them. And both "Edify each other" to enter more Life in Jesus together as Dad's Family. And everything they speak about is "bound or loosed in Heaven in the Power they have in their Meeting" because of the Almighty God who spoke through them.

Mat. 18:
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Of course Paul also got Revelation on a secondary meeting. Which is an Edifying Meeting in a house where all enter their Lives in Jesus in preparation to be able to have these primary meetings in 2 and 3 Persons. Just as Jesus had His House Meetings with His Disciples where He prepared them for their Power in 2 and 3 Meeting.

 

[Garee]

The Almighty God, Jehovah, who spoke in Jesus said a "Meeting" is in the "Name of Jesus" in 2 and 3 Persons. Which is "the Gospel". Because to the "Believers" this mean they meet as "churches" with the Living God, their "Abba Father/Daddy" in them. And both "Edify each other" to enter more Life in Jesus together as Dad's Family. And everything they speak about is "bound or loosed in Heaven in the Power they have in their Meeting" because of the Almighty God who spoke through them.

Mat. 18:
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Of course Paul also got Revelation on a secondary meeting. Which is an Edifying Meeting in a house where all enter their Lives in Jesus in preparation to be able to have these primary meetings in 2 and 3 Persons. Just as Jesus had His House Meetings with His Disciples where He prepared them for their Power in 2 and 3 Meeting.

Many versions turn things upside down as if inspired from earth. The true below turn things right side up.

Mathew 16:19AMPC I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.

If we look to "Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" then it would support Peter rebuking the Holy Father and forbid the Son of man Jesus from doing the will of Christ, the Holy Father.

In that case all of mankind should bow down to the Pope

Mathew16:22;Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

The New Testament church is a continuation of the Old using ceremonies as a sign to the unbelieving world The first century reformation fulfilled all the Old Testament shadows. One new ceremonial law as a sign was given .1 Corinthian 11 the covering of the glory. . head ship.

Just like the old the outward sign was to the unbelieving world in a hope of drawing them by the living word.

Aarons two sons found out the hard way Do not add or subtract from sola scriptura. which what is called strange fire. The fire consumed them.

Not a hint of smoke on the ceremonial attire warning us of the confederacy

Isaiah 8:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

The confederacy spoken of in 2 Corinthians below.

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

 

[Johanabrahams]

Many versions turn things upside down

We don't depend on versions nor understanding, Brother. We depend on Revelation. This mean what God Revealed to you in the Meeting of 2 and 3 to "bound or loosen" you "bound or you loosen". Both feel it at the same time that Dad tells them to do this "bounding or loosening". That is how Jesus as the Child or Son manifested in Power. In doing what His Father tells Him to say and do at every moment of His Life. He Lived in Perfect Obedience. And He is the Word of your Creation where you enter Perfect Obedience as a Child to your Daddy, Jehovah. Where you enter that Life in Jesus you see in Scripture.

 

[bdavidc]

So much of what is called “church” today is NOT the ekklēsía, but they are businesses created in the minds of human beings being marketed to the world like any other business, with the aim being to attract the world to their products. And from my experiences, and based on many years of research and listening to people and reading their stuff, I would estimate that such “churches” as this are in the majority here in America, and that the pure ekklēsía biblical gatherings of the church are rare and very hard to find.

I have been thinking about this subject for several days now. I think we have lost the meaning of Church.

The Bible clearly teaches that the church is not a building, but the body of believers who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, like you said, the Greek word for church, ekklesia, means “called out ones.” It never refers to a physical structure but always to people, those called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). This reminds us that the presence of God does not dwell in bricks and mortar, but in the hearts of His people.

I agree over time, many have turned the church into a business model, measuring success by building size, budgets, and programs. But the early church, as shown in the book of Acts, gathered in homes, shared everything in common, and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47). Their focus was not on maintaining a building or an institution, but on making disciples and spreading the gospel. Jesus never told His followers to stay hidden behind walls. His command was clear: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

When the church operates like a business—marketing itself, entertaining crowds, and protecting its brand—it often drifts from its biblical mission. Instead of being a living, Spirit-led body that reaches the lost, serves the hurting, and proclaims truth, it can become a self-preserving organization. But the church, as defined by Scripture, is a spiritual family united by faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sent into the world as witnesses of Christ.

We must return to what the Bible says. The church is a people on mission, not a place to hide. We gather to be equipped, and then we go to share the good news. The world does not need another organization. It needs a living church that shines the light of Christ, boldly and faithfully, wherever God places His people.

 

[bdavidc]

And so many of these market-driven “churches,” incorporated under the state, in trying to attract the world to their gatherings, have altered the character of God/Christ, of his church, and of his gospel message to make them more attractive and acceptable to the ungodly and to human flesh. I don’t know of any which are teaching “the whole counsel of God,” and many have cut the gospel in half, purposefully leaving out certain Scriptures and teaching others out of context in order to teach lies, and not the truth.

Thus many of them are teaching that all we have to do is make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and now we are “saved” and on our way to heaven, but regardless of how we live. Others teach that to believe in Jesus we do not have to repent of (turn from) our sins, and we do not have to obey God, for they call that “works salvation.” And very few teach that if sin is what we practice, and not righteousness, and not obedience to God, that we will not inherit eternal life with God. But that is part of the gospel message, too.

I agree the purpose of the Church is to reach the lost, not fill the seats.

It is striking that Jesus, the very Son of God, never instructed His disciples to build a physical structure before beginning their ministry. He did not say, “First build a synagogue, then go,” but rather, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Neither Jesus nor His disciples established buildings as the foundation of their work. Instead, they traveled from town to town, sharing the good news wherever people were, on hillsides, in boats, in homes, and in the streets. The early church followed the same pattern, gathering in houses and public spaces, focused on teaching, prayer, and fellowship (Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42). The emphasis was never on constructing a place, but on building people in the truth. So it is worth asking: why do so many today begin with buildings and budgets, rather than with the gospel? Jesus warned of false teachers and those who would lead many astray (Matthew 7:15), and sadly, many sit in pews week after week without knowing the real Jesus, having been fed a version of Christianity that serves man’s interests more than God’s Word. A building does not guarantee truth, and attendance does not equal salvation. What matters is faith in Christ, repentance from sin, and a life transformed by the Spirit. We must return to what Jesus actually taught and modeled, bringing the gospel to people, not waiting for them to come to us, and certainly not assuming that salvation can be found just by sitting in a religious building. The mission was always clear: reach the lost, not fill the seats.

 

[bdavidc]

The location, the day of the week, or time of day is irrelevant. We can meet anywhere appropriate to having genuine fellowship with one another where we, as the body parts, are given opportunity to use our spiritual gifts, given to us of the Spirit, where we can function in our body parts (our assignments from God for within the body of Christ) in encouraging, in exhorting, and in speaking the truth, in love, to one another so that none of us is led astray by false doctrines and by deceitful men and by the deceitfulness of sin. And this happens when “each part is working properly.” This is how we grow together.

So what I have been thinking about and as you can see I am loving your post. grin

When we look to Scripture, the call of Jesus was never, “Come to church,” but always, “Come to Me.” Throughout the Gospels, Jesus called people to Himself, not to a building or an institution. He met people where they were, in homes, on the streets, by wells, and in marketplaces. His focus was always on hearts being transformed, not seats being filled. Yet today, many preachers and ministries seem more concerned with church attendance than with genuine discipleship. It raises a sobering question: is the drive to get people into buildings more about maintaining budgets and securing donations than it is about pointing souls to Christ? When people are kept inside church walls, isolated from the world, it becomes easier to control the message, shape loyalties, and collect offerings. However, this model does not reflect what the Bible teaches. The early church did not depend on elaborate services or entertainment to draw crowds, they preached Christ crucified, served the poor, and turned the world upside down with the power of the gospel (Acts 17:6). The true mission is not to fill pews, but to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus did not commission His followers to build empires, He told them to go. We must return to the simplicity and purity of His command: lead people to Jesus, not just to a building. If hearts are truly changed, they will gather in fellowship, but not for the sake of an organization, but for the sake of Christ. I think people who used to have old-time tent meetings were on to the true meaning of meeting in the name of Jesus.