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[Buzz McFly]

What is Jesus definition of church?

Is the church today the same as the church Jesus referred to Matthew 16 when he said he will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail?

I am feeling like he was referring to something different than a brick and mortar building with a worship team?

[jimwalton]

In Matthew 16, what Jesus means by "church" is those who are called by His Name who have devoted their lives to Him in service, obedience, and love. We see a kind of description in 1 Peter 2.5: "living stones, ... built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." It is Christ's people—His family, His Body on Earth. They are not just His people when gathered (Acts 19.39), but also when scattered (Acts 8.3). They will continue the work of God on Earth.