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By Ken Kady, former minister at Vista del Rey
What is a church? The first thing that passes through some people's minds when they think of a church is some kind of building with a steeple or cross on top of it. But according to God's word a church is not a building but a gathering of believers in Jesus, whether we gather in a barn, house, warehouse, storefront or someplace else. The word for church in God's word is "ecclesia" which literally means "called out ones." It can consist of as little as two individuals (Matthew 18:19-20) who gather under the authority of Jesus (Ephesians 5:23-24). It's purpose is seven fold in that it should be involved in 1) making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20); 2) promoting the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10-11); 3) learning the Apostle's teaching (Acts 2:42); 4) having fellowship (Acts 2:42); 5) celebrating communion (Acts 2:42); 6) praying and worship (Acts 2:42); and 7) caring for one another (Acts 2:44).
Though most churches meet on Sunday in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus there is nothing stopping us from meeting whenever we might choose (Acts 20:7). The main thing is to never give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). Though Jesus' church is described by many names such as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:10-17), Abraham's offspring (Romans 4:16), the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8), the Children of God (1 John 3:1-2), the Church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2), the Elect (Romans 11:7), the Flock (John 10:16), the Branches (John 15:10), God's Household (Ephesians 2:19), God's Field (1 Corinthians 3:9), and God's Vineyard (Matthew 20:1), one of my favorite names for it is the Family of God (1 Peter 4:17), because this is what God's church should be, in that it should be a family that truly loves one another as we meet and grow in Christ.
My vision for Vista Del Rey is that we do not become a place of organized religion, a business, or a place with a steeple, but a loving family of believers whose foremost desire is to fulfill our purpose in Christ. As you visit our church my hope is that you will experience God's genuine love and care from every person that you meet.
Vista Del Rey Christian Church
12118 Pacific Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Tel: (310)391-8206
Email: vdrcc@hotmail.com
Website by Shapero Software Systems.
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