Key Takeaways:

• The church is not merely a physical building; early Christians gathered in homes and temporary spaces.

• Institutional structures and leadership are tools for organization, not the essence of the church.

• The church transcends political and national boundaries; it is rooted in a spiritual kingdom based on love, joy, and peace.

• A true understanding of the church focuses on the followers of Jesus and their collective faith and practices.

• Diversity in worship styles and church structures reflects the varied expressions of faith among Christians.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The church is not a building. Did you know that church buildings didn't exist until the third century? The early Christians met in the temple or in synagogues."

2. "We are the church, we are God's building."

3. "The church is not an institution. It's not the programs, services, policies or leadership structures."

4. "The church is not a political or national entity. The Holy Spirit only dwells in people, not entities."

The God of the Bible is a talking God. All throughout the Scriptures, God is seen talking to people. First to the prophets, then most fully in Jesus and today through his Holy Spirit. When we choose to follow Jesus, the Spirit speaks to remind us of all that Jesus established and apply it to our lives.

So how does the Spirit speak? How do we know it’s God? And what happens afterwards? Join Rev Dr Tania Harris as she explores what the Spirit is saying to us. Everyday God Conversations will encourage you weekly to reflect on the God-conversations of Scripture, the ultimate God-conversation in Jesus and to hear from the Holy Spirit yourself. Remember, it was never meant to be a one-way conversation!

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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