According to Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, the word "church" is derived from the Greek kyrios meaning lord, master, and in turn from kyros meaning power. While there is a distinction between a derivation and a definition, the source word often maintains its influence throughout the development of a definition. And this appears to be the case with the word "church"; for the institution of the Church, historically and collectively considered, stands for divine power—the might of unified, right action.
In the Old Testament the first congregations in which the people united to worship God were called assemblies. And throughout the history of Christianity there has been a gathering together, an assembling, of those who have looked beyond the physical senses and have acknowledged the existence of one supreme, invisible Deity.
The assembly that is generally considered the beginning of the Church was called together by Moses at the time of his receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Reminding the Hebrews of this occasion, the great Lawgiver said, "The Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."Deut. 4:10;
