The Doctrine of the Church

What is a church?

Matthew 16:18 “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.”

A church is a group of believers who have been assembled to fulfil a purpose.

This means a church is both local and visible.

What is the purpose of the church?

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Make disciples of all people groups

Evangelize

Baptize new believers

Teach

What are the activities of the church?

Acts 2:42-47 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Bible Study

Worship

Witness

Eating

Fellowship

Multiplying

What are the offices of the church?

Apostles

Pastors/Elders

Deacons

What metaphors are used to describe the church?

A building - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

A wife - Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

Family - Ephesians 6:23 “Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

A body - 1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

A military - Matthew 16:18 “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.”

What are the ordinances of the church?

Baptism

Lord’s Supper

What wrong ideas do people have about the church?

Church is a place or event.

A consumer mentality instead of a service mentality.

Aa consumer mentality instead of a family mentality.

I can live in obedience to Jesus while refusing to be an active part of a local church.

Hebrews 10:25 “not 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.”