God himself says, "I did not choose you because you are a great nation, but because of my covenant". Abraham said that he is going to a city whose maker and builder is God himself. From this one man came the nation of Isreal. God said that through his seed, he is going to bless all the nations of the world.

Though the nation of I sreal was called to show forth the praises of God to the nations of the world and to shine as light out of darkness, so that the world may come into its light. It was restricted to a nation and to a people.

Non-historical narrative or traditional story: When Solomon’s temple was being built the stones was shaped in the quarry, big stone of square or rectangular shape, and was brought to the site. It was unusual then the stones shaped in a quarry. Therefore, the builders rejected it, but the foundation of the temple couldn’t be completed because they were struggling, as it was not coming in order. Then one of them decided to take the stone they had cast away and it exactly fitted in and thus the foundation could be completed. In this we see the relevance of Jesus Christ as the Keystone/capstone. Thus the church joins bought the gentiles and the Jews, who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ as one people.

Similarly, the church is the representation of God’s kingdom on this earth. The true church of believers, the called out ones, is indeed very small. This represents Jesus Christ on this earth.

Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone – Eph 2:20

Most often we think that church is a building. While this is true in the sense of identification of worship hall. The spiritual meaning of church is called out ones.

It derives its meaning from two Greek words KURIAKOS (belonging to the lord) and EKKLESIA, which means EK out and KALEO to call. It means an assemble. Therefore EKKLESIA means an assembly of the called out ones.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ……."Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord almighty."- 2 Cor 6:14-18

Once we were dying in our trespasses and sins. God had mercy and reached unto us through his son. ( John 3:16) and gave us the grace to repent – Acts 11-18.

Thus we see the body of Christ, which is the church comprises of men and women who are forgiven, washed by the blood of Jesus and called out of darkness into his marvelous light.

This is the universal body of Christ comprising of true Christians all over the world.

The local church is also the body of Christ. The local church has a visible geographical location and function.

Universally we belong to one body and locally also we belong to one body.

Jesus said, that upon the confession of Peter he will build his church upon which the gates of hell shall not prevail.

When Peter confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, then he became the first stone/brick to be laid on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

Peter means rock, but not the immovable rock, which is God, because we could see frailties in the life of Peter. Every believer, irrespective of his race and colour, when confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, becomes a spiritual brick to be laid on the ongoing foundation of Jesus Christ which is the church.

The church is a living spiritual house with Christ as the foundation and keystone and each believer as a stone.

Also obey him for their rightful inheritance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38

Unity: There is one body and one spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – Eph 4:4

When we were baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:13) our difference of race and colour has gone and we belong to one family.

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his spirit. – Eph 2:21-22

Holiness: Made you holy, cleansing by the water of the word of God – Eph 5:26; "Be ye holy for I am holy"- 1 Peter 1:15

We are made holy, which means "set apart" and are commanded to live holy lives, which is contrary to the worldly standards.

Apostolic: In all its activity it is thus devoted to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship", which means not finding apostolicity in mere externals but in conformity to apostolic teaching and practice as divinely perpetuated in Holy Scriptures.

Word: Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation – 1 Pet 2:2. Most of us boast about being saved. Salvation is just not enough, but growing up in our salvation is very important.

Prayer: Not to fall into temptation. To the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers. But you dear friends build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Fellowship: Paul uses the imagery of the church being the body and every believer being members so the body with Christ as the head.

So long as brick lies by itself it is useless; it becomes of use only when it is incorporated into a building. So it is with the individual Christian. To realise his destiny he most not remains alone, but must be built into the fabric of the church.

The Christian is likened into a living stone and the church to a living edifice into which he is built. Clearly that means that Christianity is community; the individual Christian finds his true place only when he is built into that edifice. Solitary religion is ruled out as impossibility. We are called not to be independent but interdependent.

Witnessing Real Ministry & Service: There should be real ministry, not in pride but in humility, obedience, and self-offering that conforms to the example of him who was among us as one who serves (Math 23:11-12; Phil 2:5-6).

It is to preach the gospel (mark 16:15); To take up the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19); To dispense the mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1)

Worship: Church’s work is not merely for the salvation of the people, it is primarily to the praise of God’s glory (Eph 1:6; 2:7). Hence, neither the church nor its function ceases with the completion of its earthly task. There is ground, therefore, for the old distinction between the church triumphant and the church militant.

You also like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ – 1 Pet 2:5

Every nation, tribe, language and people stood before the throne and in front of the lamp. And they cried out in a loud voice "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Rev 7:9)

Conclusion: Church is a body or building built on the foundation of Jesus Christ comprising of the called out ones – from darkness into light.

Application: The church universal as well as local has to hold on to apostles teaching: Word, Prayer, Fellowship & Witnessing/Service by which many would be added to it. Therefore the church has to be militant spiritually, which then would become triumphant.

All those who were baptized were added to the church. So every believer when born-again and baptized or already saved and comes into the country should prayerfully identify himself/herself with the local body of Christ. This is scriptural. Each church or congregation is the church in its own setting, each a manifestation or concretion of the whole church. This means that there are room for great flexibility and structure according to particular and varying needs. The local body can have its rule and regulations; identification of registered members, etc.

By identifying yourself with the local church, firstly, you are obeying the direction of the Lord, as to where he places you in his sovereignty, and secondly by a written consent, you are honouring the leadership under whose care God has placed you and willing to obey them. AMEN.