Devotion by Chiong Xiao Ting (Senior Chinese Translator)
Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
The first mention of the word “church” in the Bible is found in Matthew 16:18. In Greek, this word is ekklésia, which also means “calling out”. It refers to believers being called out from the world into His kingdom – Apostle Peter says that we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that [we] may proclaim the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
What is the church? Professor Doug Petersen, co-director of graduate studies at Vanguard University defines it this way:
“The church is a living organism comprised of a fellowship of believers who name Jesus Christ as Lord, and who are united and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s plan of redemption for the whole world.”
From this definition, there are a few things we can learn about the church. Firstly, the church is a living organism—not a human institution. The church was born on the Day of Pentecost; it is not made or created by man. The Lord of the church is Jesus Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says that He will build His church. The possessive pronoun here is important – the church is “His church”; and this is imperative for us to note. Many times as Christians, and especially as leaders, we behave like it is “our” church. We fall into the trap of “functional atheism”—even though we believe in God, we behave like everything ultimately rests with us. We adopt the attitude of “if it is meant to be, then it is up to me.” In building the church, we have to remember that it is His church, not ours. Jesus is the chief architect, and the church is His building project. We are invited to participate in this project as fellow builders together with Him. (1 Cor 3:9)
Secondly, the church is made up of a fellowship of believers. In English, the word “fellowship” can mean company, companionship, or a company of people with shared interests. However, this word in the Bible is translated from the Greek word koinonia. The word koinonia has a much deep meaning than fellowship—it goes beyond mere company and it describes a communion that is very intimate; sharing of life together. This is what the church is supposed to be, a true community of faith that shares life together and we see this evidently in the first church (Acts 2:42-47).
Thirdly, the church is united and empowered by the Holy Spirit. When I think about the church, I am often amazed to see how diverse the church is, and how people of different nationalities, languages, social contexts, and backgrounds can come together to form the church. What a testimony this is of what only the Holy Spirit can do!! Truly, only the Holy Spirit can bring together people of such diverse backgrounds, uniting us in one purpose, to bring about His plan of redemption and reconciliation for the whole world.
As SOT graduates, many of us have been involved in the work of the church. While serving the church and serving people can sometimes seem like a strenuous and thankless task, we do often gain joy and fulfilment from seeing lives changed and transformed. For some, years of labour may seem to yield no results; for others, there is breakthrough after breakthrough, leading to tremendous growth in the ministry. Whatever the situation is for you today, let us remember that Jesus is the Lord of His church. We are called to participate in this work, and all that we can achieve for Him is only by grace and through faith. Though having said that, God recognises and appreciates all that you have done for Him and His kingdom. The author of Hebrews encourages us:
Heb 6:10-12
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
As we come to the end of 2023, let us “keep on keeping on”, knowing that God the Father sees your labour of love and He remembers it. Nothing you have done for Him and His church is in vain. If we do not lose heart, we shall one day inherit His promises.
Perhaps you have been distant from the church for a season, maybe due to COVID-19 or life’s circumstances. You find yourself alienated yourself from the community of faith and body life. Before the year ends, won’t you come back to the house of God once again, and reconnect yourself to God’s community and His people? There is no better time to take that step than at the cusp of the new year. This is His church, and Jesus is inviting you back into His house once again.