[Dutchboy88]

"No, we have to have agreement on the first part. That Christ established a Church for the express purpose of spreading the Gospel."

What you have my agreement on is that Jesus said, "Upon this Rock (likely the confession that Jesus was the Messiah) I will build my congregation/assembly (ekklesia)."

Part of this thread has been about the fact that the word "church" is a manufactured word that came from German/Dutch "kirk". Go check the etymology. There was no such word in the Bible. And, if you insist on special treatment, then the same word is used in Acts 19:32 for a unregenerate mob rioting in Ephesus. Can't square the circle.

[BenKenobi]

“Part of this thread has been about the fact that the word “church” is a manufactured word that came from German/Dutch “kirk”. Go check the etymology. There was no such word in the Bible.”

I presume you understand the word, “ecclesiastical” as, “pertaining of and to the workings of the church.”

Yes or no?

“And, if you insist on special treatment”,

I am not claiming special treatment. I am arguing that Christ built his Church for the explicit purpose to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.

And yes, Ekklesia means Church.