The Body of Christ is the heart of the Father given to us in Christ Jesus. It consists of individual members who gather together to rejoice in their salvation and do good works. It matters little where you gather but matters greatly in whose name you gather!
Jesus came with shouts of grace and peace to everyone who chooses to repent and accept the salvation provided in the birth, death and resurrection of our beloved Savior.
To God be all glory and honor!
The Greek word for Church used here, ekklēsia, refers to a gathering of people, not a building; here, it references the gathering of Christ followers in Corinth.
Corinth was a metropolitan city on the Mediterranean Sea with a population consisting of between 150,000 and 300,000 Roman citizens and approximately 460,000 slaves. Jewish people may have been some of the first settlers. The city contained many freed people who often became criminals because they were unable to work legitimate jobs; these may have represented the poor that Paul mentions. In the first century ad, when Paul wrote his letter, Corinth was known for its banking industry and incredible wealth. Shrines to deities of Greek, Roman, and even Egyptian gods have been discovered, and cult prostitution was common. The biannual Isthmian athletic games were held at Corinth, which made it a travel destination; these games also involved a celebration of the god Poseidon. Faithlife Bible.
A local church of God is a group of people who identify themselves with God and gather together to worship and serve Him.
The work of Jesus Christ makes a believer holy forever in God’s eyes. But in everyday living, sanctification involves small, daily changes. This is why Paul could call the Corinthian believers to become saints, even though the problems in their church testified that they were far from the goal of holiness. NKJ Bible.
1 Corinthians 1:2–3 (NKJV)
2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:7 (NKJV)
7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22 (NKJV)
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
1 Corinthians 8:6 (NKJV)
6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
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