THE CHURCH
Notes
Transcript
1 - THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH:
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a) The Importance of the Church:
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The Nature of the Church
The Nature of the Church
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2 - THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH:
1 - THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH:
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.
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.
Matt 16:18
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2 - THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH:
What is it?
Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive & Readable Theology Old Testament Background
ekklēsia
Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive & Readable Theology Old Testament Background
ekklēsia
Definition: The church is the community of all true believers for all time.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
Grudem, Wayne A.; Grudem, Wayne A.. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (p. 853). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Church = ekklēsia
New Testament uses it 114 times.
Septuagint uses it 75 times.
This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
a) The Invisible Church: Those who profess faith.
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a) The Invisible Church:
But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
English Standard Version Chapter 2
The Lord knows those who are his,
“The Lord knows those who are his.”
The invisible church is the church as God sees it.
b) The Visible Church: Those who posses faith.
Arguments in favor of the local church?
The book of: 1-2 Cor, Gal, Eph, Phil, Col, and .
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The visible church is how the church on earth sees it.
c) The Church is One:
Some years ago, while I was traveling with my wife and two friends in Eastern Europe, our train was stopped as we entered Romania. A customs official asked for our passports, which we handed over. When he noticed a Bible among our belongings, he said, “You are not Americans!” We were a bit confused because our passports clearly identified us as American citizens. He asked for the Bible, which we handed to him, and he opened it and read from : “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” He was a Christian, too, and once he discovered the connection he had with us, he joyfully approved our passage into Romania.
Sproul, R.C.. Everyone's a Theologian (p. 269). Reformation Trust Publishing. Kindle Edition.
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph
English Standard Version Chapter 4
5 xone Lord, yone faith, zone baptism,
that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) The Apostles’ Creed
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father, Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the virgin Mary;
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried;
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven;
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
The holy catholic* church; the communion of saints;
The forgiveness of sins;
The resurrection of the body;
And the life everlasting. Amen.
Why so many denominations?
Why so many denominations?
Why so many denominations?
It’s differences that give us an occasion to show unity.
Can unity be seen in diversity?
3 - THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH:
3 - THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH:
Worship God
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What makes a church more more? Wayne Grudem says....
1. Biblical doctrine (or right preaching of the Word)
2. Proper use of the sacraments (or ordinances)
3. Right use of church discipline
4. Genuine worship
5. Effective prayer
6. Effective witness
7. Effective fellowship
8. Biblical church government
9. Spiritual power in ministry
10. Personal holiness of life among members
11. Care for the poor
12. Love for Christ
Grudem, Wayne A.; Grudem, Wayne A.. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (p. 874). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
4 - THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH:
CONCLUSION:
What makes a church more pure? Wayne Grudem says....
1. Biblical doctrine (or right preaching of the Word)
2. Proper use of the sacraments (or ordinances)
3. Right use of church discipline
4. Genuine worship
5. Effective prayer
6. Effective witness
7. Effective fellowship
8. Biblical church government
9. Spiritual power in ministry
10. Personal holiness of life among members
11. Care for the poor
12. Love for Christ
