Christ Embassy Bloemfontein - Free State Group

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THE CHURCH IS MORE THAN A BUILDING - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME DSc DSc DD

MONDAY 13TH JULY 2026

📖…Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house...(Romans 16:3-5)

When you study the Book of Romans carefully, especially the sixteenth chapter, you’d notice something striking about the early Church. It wasn’t one central congregation; there were several fellowships, different groups of God’s people meeting in different places, yet all part of the same Church.

This becomes even clearer when you read the opening of Paul’s epistle to the Romans: “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints…” (Romans 1:7).

The Churches were spread across many locations with household fellowships and groups of Christians meeting in different homes. That’s why in Romans 16:3-5, he said greet Pricilla and Aquila and the church that is in their house.

Also, in the 10th verse, he said, “…salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household,” and continued in the 11th verse to say, “…Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.” These were not merely families; these were churches, living expressions and extensions of Paul’s ministry. It reveals something profound: the Church is not a building; it’s the people of God.

The early Church was organised as many churches, yet one body. It might have been several gatherings, but each was alive, active, and connected. The Bible says, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house…” (Acts 2:46). There was a larger gathering, but there were also smaller fellowships where they shared the Word, prayed together, and grew together.

This kind of structure made the Church strong and indestructible. Even in times of persecution, it continued to thrive. You may destroy a building, but you cannot destroy the Church. As long as the people are there, the Church is there. This is why fellowship is so important.

Wherever Christians gather in the Name of the Lord, He’s present, and that’s the Church. The Lord Jesus emphasised the power of the smallest assembly when He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

So, don’t reduce the Church to a location or a structure. Understand its true nature: it’s the living Body of Christ, expressed through His people, in fellowship, in unity, and in purpose. Be part of that expression. Strengthen it. Build it. That’s how the Church grows, and the Kingdom advances from glory to glory. Hallelujah!

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PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for making me a part of the Church, the living Body of Christ. I function actively in fellowship, contributing to the growth and strengthening of others. Through me, your life is expressed, and your Kingdom is advanced today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Acts 2:46 NIV Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 Year Bible Reading Plan - Acts 21:37-22:1-21 & Job 32-35

2 Year Bible Reading Plan - Galatians 3:23-29 & Isaiah 33

THINGS THAT STEAL JOY.

" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy..." says the bible in Galatians 5:23. Pastor says that Joy is from the spirit, and so you need to decide to live a joyful life independent of circumstances. Anger and comparison are 2 of the things that steal your joy. Anger is a quick destroyer and serves no purpose in your life, therefore uproot it from within you! In addition, self-comparison distracts you from your uniqueness so you should focus on your own journey and achieving God's desire for your own life.

Hallelujah!

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