Changes

But in a stunningly striking echo of the doctrine of the [[Catholic Church]] ''The Restored Church of God'' declares that Jesus also calls His Church “a building”—one that is “fitly framed together” (Eph. 2:21), and built with Himself as the foundation. He is literally “building a building” consisting of brethren whom He calls “lively [living] stones” (I Peter 2:5). Psalm 127:1 declares, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Christ is continuing His building of the Church today, and you are seeing it.

But in a stunningly striking echo of the doctrine of the [[Catholic Church]] ''The Restored Church of God'' declares that Jesus also calls His Church “a building”—one that is “fitly framed together” (Eph. 2:21), and built with Himself as the foundation. He is literally “building a building” consisting of brethren whom He calls “lively [living] stones” (I Peter 2:5). Psalm 127:1 declares, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Christ is continuing His building of the Church today, and you are seeing it.

Just as the Catholic Church [[dogma]]tically teaches, so ''The Restored Church of God'' also declares that the true Church is depicted as a type of Jerusalem and as the Mother of all the brethren in the Church (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22-23). Like any Mother, she cares for and feeds her children<ref>See the Catholic document ''Mater et Magistra'' "Mother and Teacher"</ref>. God’s Church is pictured as a bride prophesied to marry Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:7-9). She is described as having “made herself ready” for this wonderful and glorious event!

Just as the Catholic Church [[dogma]]tically teaches, so ''The Restored Church of God'' also declares that the true Church is depicted as a type of Jerusalem and as the Mother of all the brethren in the Church (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22-23). Like any Mother, she cares for and feeds her children<ref>See the [http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-xxiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_j-xxiii_enc_15051961_mater.html Catholic Encyclical of Pope John XXIII ''Mater et Magistra'' "Mother and Teacher"]</ref>. God’s Church is pictured as a bride prophesied to marry Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:7-9). She is described as having “made herself ready” for this wonderful and glorious event!

''The Restored Church of God'' explains that the actual meaning of the Greek word translated “Church” in the New Testament needs clarification. Most have supposed it means a building or an organization. It means neither. The word “church” is ekklesia, meaning “a calling out,” especially as a religious congregation. Christians are called out of this world—its ways—its customs—its practices—its traditions—its false knowledge and false doctrines—and into the true Church, and fellowship with God and Christ (I John 1:3). David C. Pack declares that God thunders this to all His people: “Wherefore come out from among them [the world], and be you separate…and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (II Corinthians 6:17-18).  

''The Restored Church of God'' explains that the actual meaning of the Greek word translated “Church” in the New Testament needs clarification. Most have supposed it means a building or an organization. It means neither. The word “church” is ekklesia, meaning “a calling out,” especially as a religious congregation. Christians are called out of this world—its ways—its customs—its practices—its traditions—its false knowledge and false doctrines—and into the true Church, and fellowship with God and Christ (I John 1:3). David C. Pack declares that God thunders this to all His people: “Wherefore come out from among them [the world], and be you separate…and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (II Corinthians 6:17-18).