What does Paul mean when he uses the word 'Church'?
Paul means the true Church is the universal company of believers, not a building or denomination. The Holy Spirit places them into the Body of Christ, which is in union with Him. Christ is the Head of that Body, and believers are joint heirs with Him, not subjects of a King.
Les explains that when Paul uses the term "Church," he is not speaking of the building on the corner or of a denomination that claims to be the only ones going to heaven. Instead, Paul means the universal compilation of believers who have been brought into the Body of Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. That Body is in union with Christ and is joint heirs with Him. In Ephesians 2, Christ is the Head of the Church and the Savior of the Body, so the Church is subject unto Christ. Les stresses that Paul never refers to the Lord as King of the Church; He is the Head of the Body. A king rules over subjects, but believers are not Christ's subjects—they are joint heirs with Him. Although He will yet come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, believers will rule and reign not under Him but with Him. Paul also says Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it.