TBC Doctrinal Class - Concerning The Church (Part 14)

Concerning the Church Statement 15 We believe Concerning the church: a. The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11) b. That the body of Christ is manifested in local assemblies of believers (Acts 2:41-47; Romans 16:16). c. That it is the responsibility of the local church to administer the ordinances of the church—baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41-47). What is paragraph a. about? a. The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). The Universal Church What does paragraph a. teach about the Universal Church? a. The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). 1. The identity of the universal church as the metaphorical/spiritual body of Christ 2. A regenerated membership 3. A multi-cultural, multi-ethnic membership The Universal Church = all Christians throughout the Church age The Universal Church has nothing to do with Universalism. Universalism = the heresy that all people will be saved in the end, i.e., nobody goes to hell What is paragraph b. about? b. That the body of Christ is manifested in local assemblies of believers (Acts 2:41-47; Romans 16:16). The Local Church What does paragraph b. teach? b. That the body of Christ is manifested in local assemblies of believers (Acts 2:41-47; Romans 16:16). 4. Local churches (comprised of true believers) are where the invisible, universal church is made visible. What does paragraph c. teach? c. That it is the responsibility of the local church to administer the ordinances of the church—baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:41-47). 5. Local churches (not members of the universal church disconnected from a local church) possess the authority to practice the ordinances. What is the church? The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike. (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). fl Ephesians 5:23–32 (ESV) For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. . . . 29For no one ever hated his own esh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body. 31“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one esh.” 32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Ephesians 1:22–23 (ESV) And he [the Father] put all things under his [Christ’s] feet and gave him [Christ] as head over all things to the church, 23which is his [Christ’s] body, the fullness of him who lls all in all. fi Colossians 1:18 (ESV) And he [Christ ]is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the rstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Does it matter that our statement speci es that Christ is the head of the church? The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). YES!!! Your Roman Catholic friends will say . . . “There is only one true ‘Head of the Catholic Church’ and that is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He, and He alone, is the true ‘Head of the Catholic Church’ …but he delegated His earthly spiritual authority to St Peter, and his successors, the popes, to govern the visible Church upon earth as a visible, earthly, spiritual ‘head’ lest the Church be left spiritually leaderless and doctrinal and disciplinary issues be left unresolved.” (underlining in original; bolding mine; James Bogle, “Is the Pope Really “The Head of the Roman Catholic Church?’” 1 March 2022 https://insidethevatican.com/magazine/is-the-pope-really-the-head-of-thecatholic-church) Your Anglican friends will say . . . “The Church is led by the Archbishops of Canterbury* and York and 106 other bishops. They provide guidance and direction to the churches across the country and make decisions on the Church in society.” “His Majesty the King is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The King appoints archbishops, bishops and deans of cathedrals on the advice of the Prime Minister.” bolding mine; https://www.churchofengland.org/about/governance. accessed 21 August 2025 The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). fi 1. The church being equated with all born-again believers from Pentecost to the Rapture = the (Dispensational) de nition of the universal church. What about OT believers and those who come to faith in the Millennium? OT believers + the church + Millennium believers = The people of God Why does it matter that we have a category called “the universal church” de ned as all “born again” believers in the Church age? fi Is Christ the head just of Trinity Baptist Church? Or, is Christ the head of all true churches and of all believers everywhere? The universal church—a necessary category ESV Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Is Jesus Christ the Savior of only the church at Ephesus? The universal church—a necessary category Matthew 16:18 (ESV) And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Which church was Jesus promising to build? Cairns Baptist Church? Cairns South Baptist Church? North Cairns Church? Trinity Baptist Church? The universal church—a necessary category ESV Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, Does Christ love only TBC South? What about TBC North? What about other churches? The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). fi 2. The church being equated with only born again believers = the de nition of the regenerated church. Why does it matter that we de ne the church as only “born again” believers? Some Christian denominations include the unregenerate children of believers as part of their de nition of the church. fi How do you think that has worked out for them? Why did this man get kicked out of his Congregational church? Whom a church baptises and whom a church allows to partake of the Lord’s Table is very important. 16. a. That baptism is to be a full immersion upon public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-38). Why do the elders at TBC have a process for baptism and church membership? a. The elders are bored and need something to do. b. The elders like to make people doubt their salvation. c. The elders want to make sure that people understand the Gospel, have repented of their sins, and are trusting in Christ alone for their salvation before baptising them and/or receiving them into church membership. The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the living head, the members being all born again believers, Jew and Gentile alike (Ephesians 5:23-32; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; Colossians 3:11). 3. The universal church’s being comprised of Jewish and Gentile believers alike speaks to the equality of status Christians share in Christ. Why does it matter that the universal church is comprised of Jews and Gentiles “alike”? “Alike” means “in the same manner, form, or degree: EQUALLY.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alike. In an age of identity politics, equal treatment on the basis of equal status in Christ is important. More importantly, the Bible teaches equality of status. Colossians 3:11 (ESV) Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Romans 10:12 (ESV) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV) For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free— and all were made to drink of one Spirit. What does paragraph b. teach? b. That the body of Christ is manifested in local assemblies of believers (Acts 2:41-47; Romans 16:16). 4. Local churches (comprised of true believers) are where the invisible, universal church is made visible. Romans 16:16 (ESV) Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. When we or the NT writers refer to a speci c body of believers in a particular time and place as “a congregation” or “a church,” we are referring to “a local church.” Acts 2 is the beginning of the universal church and the local church. However, not everything in the transition book of Acts is prescriptive for a local church. Quiz: What 2 practices in Acts 2:41-47 are discontinued either later in the book of Acts or in the Epistles? Acts 2:41–47 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:41–47 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. “Saints by profession are obligated to maintain holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God and in performing other spiritual services that promote their mutual edi cation. 4 They should also help each other in outward things according to their various abilities and needs. 5 This communion should be especially shared in family and church relationships.” 6 7 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, Modern English Edition At the same time, according to the rule of the gospel, as God provides opportunity, this communion should be extended to all believers, to everyone in every place who calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus. However, their communion with one another as saints does not take away or infringe on the title or property that people have in their goods and possessions. 8 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, Modern English Edition 4. Hebrews 10:24-25, 3:12-13 5. Acts 11:29-30 6. Ephesians 6:4 7. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 8. Acts 5:4; Ephesians 4:28 Acts 5:4 (ESV) While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” Ephesians 4:28 (ESV) Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. How is the (universal) body of Christ “manifested in local assemblies of believers”? de nition of manifest “to show something clearly, through signs or actions" The workers chose to manifest their dissatisfaction in a series of strikes. The illness rst manifested itself in severe stomach pains. fi fi https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/manifest accessed 19 August 2025 Why does Trinity Baptist Church exist? TBC Purpose & Objects Trinity Baptist Church exists so that believers can unite around common doctrine to worship God, serve others, evangelise the lost, and grow in grace. Can we agree on doctrine without meeting together? YES! We can send each other e-mails and letters and end up agreeing on doctrine? Can we worship God without meeting together? YES! We can all stay home and have private worship services with our families or by ourselves. Can we serve others without meeting together? YES! We can all serve people in our neighbourhoods without meeting together. But it is very hard to serve each other without ever meeting together. Can we evangelise without meeting together? YES! We can all evangelise people in our spheres of daily life without meeting together. Can grow in grace without meeting together? To some degree, YES! We can all read Christian biographies, devotional books, and theology books and grow in a measure of grace without meeting together. So why do we need to meet together? 1. Private worship, community service, personal evangelism, and individual growth in grace do not display what Christ’s death accomplished in uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body. Ephesians 2:16 (ESV) and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. So why do we need to meet together? 2. Only when diverse saints are gathered into a visible, uni ed body do angels see God’s wisdom displayed in the church. fi Ephesians 3:10 (ESV) so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. What does this mean for demographic speci c churches? E.g., Hipster church, Cowboy church, Motorcyclist church, etc.? “A cowboy church is a congregation that merges Christian principles with the western lifestyle. Advocating ‘come-as-you-are’ attendance, cowboy churches host services in auditoriums, rodeo arenas, barns, and other facilities common in western culture.” Alex Dorian, “What Is A Cowboy Church?” 24 May 2023 https://christianministryedu.org/faq/what-is-a-cowboy-church Do cowboy churches and motorcycle churches ful ll God’s intention for local churches? No. They dilute God’s intention by making the local church about our unity in Christ + something else. What does paragraph b. teach? b. That the body of Christ is manifested in local assemblies of believers (Acts 2:41-47; Romans 16:16). 3. Local churches (comprised of true believers) are where the invisible, universal church is made visible. How is the body of Christ “manifested in local assemblies of believers”? 1. Through “the church being the church” 2. Through the “one another” commands 3. Through the ordinances What do we mean by “the church being the church”? The event of gathering together is central to a local church being a church. The church can do “church missions stu ” only when it gathers together. Acts 14:27 (ESV) And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. The church can do “church prayer meeting stu ” only when it gathers together. Acts 4:31 (ESV) And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all lled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. The church can do “church teaching stu ” only when it gathers together. fi Acts 11:26 (ESV) and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met [lit. were gathered together] with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were rst called Christians. The church can do “church council stu ” only when it gathers together. Acts 15:30 (ESV) So when they were sent o , they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. The church can do “church communion stu ” and have (long) sermons only when it gathers together. fi Acts 20:7–8 (ESV) On the rst day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. The church can do “church discipline stu ” only when it gathers together. fl 1 Corinthians 5:4 (ESV) When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the esh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. The church can do “church discipline stu ” only when it gathers together. Matthew 18:17–20 (ESV) If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” How is the body of Christ “manifested in local assemblies of believers”? 1. Through “the church being the church” 2. Through the “one another” commands Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi ff Romans 12:10 (ESV) Love one another with brotherly a ection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:16 (ESV) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi Romans 15:7 (ESV) Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:5 (ESV) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi 2 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV) Greet one another with a holy kiss. Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 5:19 (ESV) addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, Ephesians 5:21 (ESV) submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (ESV) See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi Hebrews 3:13 (ESV) But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi James 5:16 (ESV) Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 1 Peter 4:9–10 (ESV) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: fi Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? Can you ful ll the following commands sitting at home on Sunday morning? fi 1 John 4:7 (ESV) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:12 (ESV) No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. Do you really love the universal church that you have not seen if you do not love the local church that you do see? 1 John 4:20 (ESV) If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. What is the rst step to loving my local church and obeying the “one another commands”? fi Showing up when the church gathers!!! What is the second step to loving my local church and obeying the “one another commands”? Committing to ONE local church!!! Do I need to join/be committed to one local church? If you don’t commit to one local church (but oat around between several), will you realistically ful ll the following “one anothers”? 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Galatians 6:2 (ESV) Bear one another’s burdens, and so ful ll the law of Christ. Ephesians 4:2 (ESV) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, If I said that I love rugby but I . . . • don’t have a favourite code or league • don’t have a favourite team/club • don’t have any paraphernalia (ball, cap, jersey, etc.) • never go to a game • never watch a game on TV • never went to a practice • never played in a game Is a home group a local church according to the Bible’s de nition? fi Maybe. It all depends on the details. Local churches often met in houses in the NT. Romans 16:5a (ESV) Greet also the church in their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19 (ESV) The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. Colossians 4:15 (ESV) Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. Philemon 2 (ESV) and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: And yet, Paul can distinguish between personal homes and “the church of God.” 1 Corinthians 11:20–22 (ESV) When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. Paul can distinguish between theological inquiries “at home” and “in church.” 1 Corinthians 14:35 (ESV) If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. “Simple Church is an organic gathering of disciples of Christ. It's a New Testament modelled church. That can gather anytime, anywhere (homes, cafe's, parks) for fellowship, food, Bible study. It's all about relationship. It's about family. It's about you being a disciple of Jesus.” https://www.simplechurch.com.au Frank Viola describes an organic church well: "By organic church, I mean a church that is born out of spiritual life instead of being constructed by human institutions and held together by religious programs. Organic church life is a grassroots experience that is marked by face-to-face community, every-member functioning, open-participatory meetings (as opposed to pastor-to-pew services), non-hierarchical leadership, and the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ as the functional Leader and Head of the gathering.” bolding in original; https://www.simplechurch.com.au Questions to ask about home groups claiming to be churches: 1. Why do you meet in a home? 2. Would you meet elsewhere if you outgrew the largest home of your group? 3. What does your home group do for worship? 4. Does your home group have a pastor and/or deacons? 5. Does your home group want to have the o ces of elder and deacon? See Acts 14:23 Titus 1:5 James 5:14 Questions to ask about home groups claiming to be churches: 6. Does your home group observe the ordinances? 7. What is your home group’s doctrine? 8. Is your group’s doctrine spelled out on paper? Have all consented to it? Who decides what your home group believes? 9. Does/would your home group practice church discipline if one of the group were living in open, unrepentant immorality? Questions to ask about home groups claiming to be churches: fi 10.Who makes decisions for your group? 11. Who gets to vote on decisions? 12. Does the group get to vote on decisions? 13. Who decides who gets to vote on a decision? 14. If rst-time visitor comes, do they get to vote on the decisions made that day? 15. Do you have a sermon? Questions to ask about home groups claiming to be churches: 16. Who gets to give sermons? 17. If there is error or heresy in the sermon, who is responsible to address and correct it? 18. Who gets to share? 19. If error or heresy arises in the sharing time, is it corrected? Who does the correcting? Warning about home churches “Every 15 years or so, another prophetic leader or another innovative group comes along and seeks to call us back to ‘the Acts 2 ideal.’ They will often bring with them a rejection of organisation, structure, ‘lists’ and the like. Many idealistic young men will ock to them, as will many jaded old men. It is often the best of us, those with a true heart for the purposes of God, who are drawn to a naive ‘beads and sandals Christianity.’ But it doesn’t work in the context of the real world, just as Acts 2 gave way to Acts 6.” — Andrew Heard bolding mine; fl Growth and Change: The Danger and Necessity of a Passion for Church Growth, 156. Warning about home churches “When people gather out of a desire to create ‘intimacy’ and ‘community’—to ‘be authentic’ and to ‘do life together’—this squeezes out the gospel imperative / to grow by adding new members. Every new member changes the social dynamic, which threatens the very intimacy the group hoped to create.”— Andrew Heard bolding mine; Growth and Change: The Danger and Necessity of a Passion for Church Growth, 156-7. Home churches by necessity “A smaller and more intimate style of church can be outward looking and can grow well in a context where necessity, rather than a desire for intimacy, drives the strategy of ‘smallness’. This has been true among house churches in places such as India and China where small community wasn’t the aim; gathering as the people of God was the aim, and small communities were the only option.”— Andrew Heard bolding mine; Growth and Change: The Danger and Necessity of a Passion for Church Growth, 157.