What Exactly Defines A Church?

Should you ever have the opportunity to visit St. Paul's Cathedral in London, you must see the painting done by artist Holman Hunt—one of my favorite religious paintings.  The artist pictures Jesus, a lantern in his left hand, knocking on the door of an English cottage. He based his painting on the closing words of a letter to a backslidden church in the city of Laodicea.  In this, Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).  Most evangelical pastors have quoted that verse, suggesting that Jesus stands at the door of your heart and wants to come within, taking up residence in your life. While that is true, the context conveys another thought.