Jesus speaks of the “church” one time only, in the book of Matthew. We’re told that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. The church is formally “born” in Acts 2 as a result of an explosion of the Spirit on a celebrated holy holiday called Pentecost. Although the great day of festivities had been celebrated for almost 1500 years, it was this special year in approximately 30 A.D. that the church came into existence.

… upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18b

The word “church” means “called out ones,” and refers to the fact that those who follow Christ are “called out” from the rest of the world (not to live separate from them, but to respond and behave different from others).

Well that explains our last name. You’ll notice that we have the same last name as those who go to a Baptist Church, a Methodist Church, a Presbyterian Church, a Catholic Church…and anyone who truly believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

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