Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                           Lesson 7

 

                         The Church

 

   Introduction: There are two uses of the word "Church"

in the New Testament - The Church universal and the Church

local. These are not two churches but two manifestations of

the one church.

 

I. The Church Universal, - Eph 3:21; Heb 12:23.

 

    A. The Church is a New Testament Institution:

 

        1. Unknown to the Old Testament Prophets, -

           Rom 16:25.

 

        2. Revealed to the Apostles, - Rom 16:26;

           Eph 3:3-6.

 

        3. Established by Jesus, - Matt 16:18;

           Matt 18:15-20.

 

        4. Empowered and perpetuated by the

           Holy Spirit, - Lk 24:49; Acts 1:8;

           Acts 2:1-13; Acts 2:41-47.

 

   B. It is composed of:

 

        1. Jews and Gentiles, - Eph 3:3-6.

 

        2. Saved people, - Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 12:13.

 

        3. A "called out" company, - Acts 15:14.

           Note: The Greek word translated "church"

           is "ecclesia" and means "called out."

 

    C. There is no division in the Church universal -

       1 Cor 12:25-26; Eph 2:13-18.

 

II. The local church.

 

    A. The Church universal manifests itself only

       as the local church.

 

        1. A small company meeting in a house, -

           Rom 16:5.

 

        2. The larger congregation of a town or city, -

           1 Cor 1:2.

 

        3. A group of churches in a country or given

           area, - Gal 1:2; Rom 16:4.

 

    B. The local church:

 

   Definition: (please learn): A Church is a company of

believers in Jesus Christ as Saviour, called out from

the world and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, scripturally

baptized, and meeting for worship, fellowship and

evangelism.

 

        1. Elects its own officers:

 

            a. Elders, called also bishops and pastors,

               - Acts 20:17,28; 1 Tim 3:1-7.

 

            b. Deacons, - Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim 3:8-13.

 

            c. Deaconesses, Roman 16:1, (margin);

               Phil 4:3; 1 Tim 3:11.

 

            d. Evangelists and teachers, - Eph 4:11.

 

        2. Guides its own affairs:

 

            a. Conducting its own business, - Acts 1:15-26;

               Acts 6:1-6.

 

            b. Disciplines its own members, - Matt 18:17-18;

               1 Cor 5:1-13.

 

            c. Ordains and sends out its own missionaries, -

               Acts 13:1-3.

 

        3. Is custodian of the ordinaces:

 

            a. Baptism, - Matt 28:16-20; Acts 2:41.

 

            b. Lord's Supper, - Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7;

               1 Cor 11:23-24.

 

III. The mission and destiny of the church.

 

      A. Its mission:

 

          1. Preach the Gospel of Salvation. - Mk 16:15-16;

 

          2. Build up its members, - Eph 4:11-15.

 

          3. The church is called the "body of Christ"

             for service, - 1 Cor 12:12-28; Eph 1:22-23.

 

      B. Its destiny:

 

          1. To be forever with the Lord, - 1 Thess 4:17.

 

          2. To be the praise of Christ's glory, - Eph 1:12;

             Eph 2:7.

 

          3. The church is called the "bride" of Christ

             for glory, Eph 5:23-33.

 

 

                                Questions

 

1. Did the Old Testament Prophets know about the Church?

   Give references.

 

2. Who established the Church? Who empowers and perpetuates

   it?

 

3. Who are members of the Church universal?

 

4. Define a local church.

 

5. Name the ways the Church universal manifests itself

   as a local Church.

 

6. Name the officers of a local Church.

 

7. What is the mission of the Church?

 

8. What is the destiny of the Church?

 

9. Explain the way in which the Church is the "body

   of Christ." The "bride of Christ."