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What is the church?Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical understanding of the church. The word “church” comes from the Greek word ekklesia which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they usually identify a building. (Romans 16:5) says “… greet the church that is in their house.” Paul refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. (Colossians 1:18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Ephesians 5:23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. The Church which is his body(Ephesians 1:22-23) says, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” (Colossians 1:24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: The body of Christ is comprised of two aspects:1) The universal church consists of all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13). This verse says that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ and has received the Spirit of Christ as evidence. The universal church of God is all those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.2) The local church is described in (Galatians 1:1-2: )“Paul, an apostle … And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:” Here we see that in the province of Galatia there were many churches—what we call local churches. A Baptist church, Lutheran church, Catholic church, etc., is not the church, as in the universal church—but rather is a local church, a local body of believers. The universal church is comprised of those who belong to Christ and who have trusted Him for salvation. These members of the universal church should seek fellowship and edification in a local church.In summary, the church is not a building or a denomination. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ—all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (Eph. 2:8;1 Corinthians 15:1-4;12:13). Local churches are gatherings of members of the universal church. The local church is where the members of the universal church can fully apply the “body” principles of (1 Corinthians chapter 12: ) encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.