Church is..

The Greek word for "Church" is ecclesia which means the company of those called out. The come-outers constitute the Church. This truth is underlined throughout the Scriptures. David began his Psalm pointing out the blessedness of separation (Psa 1:1). Peter's Pentecostal sermon ended with the words, "Be saved from this crooked generation" (Acts 2:40). The first page of the Bible speaks of the division between light and darkness. The last page stresses the difference between the insiders and the outsiders. There can be no fellowship between the two. Though we are "in" the world, we are not "of" the world. It's not running away from the world, but releasing our minds and hearts from the captivating ways of the corrupt world. We must behave as "strangers and pilgrims... in a foreign country" (Heb 11:13,9). The world will certainly hate us for that (Jn 15:18,19). But this is the basic cost of a life of obedience.

Go, ere the clouds of sorrow steal o'er the bloom of youth;
Defer not till tomorrow, go now, and buy the truth
Go, seek thy great Creator, learn early to be wise;
Go, place upon His altar a morning sacrifice! (Songs and Solos 1128)

(courtsey : Better Every day)