1). The literal meaning of the word church (ekklesia). From ek, meaning "out" and kaleo meaning "to call." Jesus called out His disciples from the disciples of John early in His public ministry, forming the church or called-out assembly (John 1:35-51).
2). Christ said He would leave His "house" on earth when He went on a "far journey" (ascended back unto heaven) (Mark 13: 31-37). The church is identified as His "house" (Heb. 3:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:20, 21; 1 Cor. 3:16). Christ ascended prior to Pentecost (Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9-11).
3). Christ spoke of His disciples as a "flock" prior to Pentecost (Luke 12:32: Matt. 26: 31,32). The church is identified as the "flock" of God (Acts 20:28, 29; 1 Pet. 5:2,3).
4). They preached the Gospel prior to Pentecost (Mark 1:1; 3:14; Matt. 10:14; Luke 10:1-17).
5). They had Holy Spirit power prior to Pentecost (Matt. 10:5, 19, 20).
6). They baptized prior to Pentecost (John 4:1,2).
7). They received the Lord's Supper prior to Pentecost (Matt. 26:26; Luke 22:17-20; Mark 14:22-26).
8). They had an ordained ministry prior to Pentecost (Mark 3:14; cf. 1 Cor. 12:28).
9). They had church discipline prior to Pentecost (Matt. 18:15-17).
10). They had Christ as their "head" prior to Pentecost (John 13:14; cf. Eph. 1:22, 23).
11). They had a membership of 120 prior to Pentecost (Acts 1:15; note, "names").
12). They had a business meeting and elected officers prior to Pentecost (Acts 1:15-26).
13). They had a treasurer prior to Pentecost (John 13:29).
14). They "added" 3,000 on the day of Pentecost.
15). They had the "Great Commission" prior to Pentecost (Matthew 28:19,20).
16). Christ was "building" His church prior to Pentecost (Matthew 16:18).
17). They ("us") had been in existence ("companied with us") "from the baptism of John" (Acts 1:21,22).
18). The Bridegroom was with His Bride (the church) prior to Pentecost (John 3:29; cf. Eph. 5:22-23; 2 Cor. 11:2).
19). Christ sang in His church prior to Pentecost (Mark 14:26; in fulfillment of Psalm 22:22; see Heb. 2:12).
20). There are NO Scriptures anywhere to indicate that the church began at Pentecost.
Prior to Pentecost they were a body of baptized believers banded together to carry out the will of Jesus Christ.
THAT IS A CHURCH.
Miscellaneous:
Other articles of interest might include:
Written by Pastor Greg Wilson - Landmark Independent Baptist Church
