The Church | Ep 17

What is the church? Is it a building, a denomination, or something far greater? As many flee organized religion and question the relevance of church attendance, Pastor Josh Strelecki addresses these critical questions in this foundational episode of All Things for Good. This episode launches a multi-part series exploring "all things church," beginning with the essential question that shapes everything else: what exactly is the church according to Scripture? Pastor Josh clarifies that the church is neither a building nor a denomination, but God's people in Christ. Through careful examination of 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 1, he reveals how Scripture presents the church in two distinct yet connected ways: universal and local. The universal church is the invisible body of Christ—every believer throughout history who has trusted in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Entry comes not through denominational requirements or covenant memberships, but through the Spirit's baptism that identifies believers with Christ the moment they place faith in the gospel.

The local church serves as the visible expression of this universal reality, bringing believers together in specific locations for refuge, teaching, and spiritual growth. Pastor Josh emphasizes that local churches should not impose extra requirements beyond faith in Christ's shed blood—the very basis that makes someone a member of His body. The episode explores the church's threefold purpose: serving as the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), functioning as ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), and equipping saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). This purpose is spiritual, not political, centered on preaching the gospel, building up believers, and displaying God's wisdom through His Word.

Drawing from Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, Pastor Josh illustrates how the church functions like a physical body—one entity with many diverse members. While spiritual gifts have ceased, the principle of unity in diversity continues through the unique personalities, skills, and callings God gives each believer. True growth happens when every member contributes in love, speaking truth to one another under Christ the head. Listeners are challenged to embrace both realities: belonging eternally to Christ's universal body and participating practically in local church community. Despite imperfections and hardships, Pastor Josh encourages believers not to forsake assembling together, but to seek churches that know, hold, and properly use the truth of Scripture under the headship of Christ.