The church is not a building — it's the body of Christ. According to 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 1:22-23, every believer who has accepted Jesus is joined into one living body with Christ as the head. Believers are also called the temple of God in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, since the Holy Spirit dwells in people, not in walls. The Greek word "ekklesia," translated "church," literally means "the called-out ones" — a people, not a place. David McIntyre and Phillip Rich explain why this matters for how you see yourself and your local gathering.

In Episode 1 of "The Broken Church," David McIntyre and Phillip Rich set the foundation for a two-part conversation about church health by first defining the church biblically. Walking through 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 1 and 2, Colossians 1, and 1 Peter 2, they show the church is the body of Christ and the temple of God, not an organization, building, or membership list. They close with a practical challenge: this week, try calling your church the "gathering place" instead — and see how it reshapes how you see yourself.

Scripture Referenced: 1 Corinthians chapter 12, verses 12-13 and 27 · Romans chapter 12, verses 4-5 · Ephesians chapter 1, verses 15-23 · Colossians chapter 1, verses 15-18 and 24 · 1 Corinthians chapter 3, verses 16-17 · 1 Corinthians chapter 6, verses 19-20 · 2 Corinthians chapter 6, verse 16 · Ephesians chapter 2, verses 19-22 · 1 Peter chapter 2, verses 4-5

Hosts: David McIntyre and Phillip Rich, with host/producer Jon Dzyuba — Bible, Bros & Brew

FAQ

Q: Why does the Bible call believers "the temple of God"?

A: Because the Holy Spirit dwells in believers under the new covenant, not in a physical structure like the Old Testament temple.

Q: What's the difference between "the church" and "the gathering place"?

A: The church is the people — every believer, everywhere. The gathering place is the local building or group where believers meet.

Q: What's next in this series?

A: Part 2 covers the difference between being the church and going to church.

Subscribe to Bible, Bros & Brew wherever you listen, and find Part 2 next Monday at 6 AM.

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