Distinctives of The Fish Gate

Part 3: The Church

What is the Church? There are numerous metaphors and definitions assigned to the word church. Nevertheless, the essential truth is that the church is the assembled community of God. It is variously described as the Family of God (Gal 6:10, Ephesians 3:15, Heb 2:11, 1 Peter 4: 17), the Body of Christ ( 1 Cor 12: 12-13, Ephesians 4: 15-16),  the Bride of Christ (Eph 5:22ff, Rev. 19: 7), the Temple of God (2 Cor 6: 16, Eph. 2:21) and as Branches of a vine (John 15: 1-5). Whichever definitions we care to take up they all convey a sense of familiar closeness and interaction between God and his people.

A quick overview of the entire scriptures will indeed unfurl a perspective on God’s great plan for history. Ultimately, God is out to include humanity in the circle of his love, to extend his family (John 1:1-14 emphasis on v12-13). John’s prologue captures the heart of the Gospel. This same perspective is permeated throughout the scriptures (Exodus 29: 42-46, Lev 26: 11-13, 2 Chron. 6:18, Ps. 101: 6,  Is. 7: 14, (Matt 1:23) Jer. 31:31-34, Ez. 36:24-29, 37: 27-28, Eph. 2: 22, 3: 17, 1 Peter 2:9, Rev 21: 1-4).

Here we see what is really going on. This is no side show but the main event. The whole of the Revelation concerns this (Rev. 20: 7-10). Peter saw it clearly too (1 Peter 2: 4-10).

Consequently, then, nothing matters and everything matters. You are an integral part of the plan. Without you there is no everybody. You have been called, chosen, included deliberately and definitely.

The Fish Gate is also a part of the overall thing. Specifically called to uniquely do its part.