2. John 20:31

3. 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar- Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 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.” Matthew 16:16-18

4. 1.Whose church is it? 2.What is meant by the word church? 3.What should the church do? Matthew 16:18 Outline John 20:31

5. 1.The church belongs to Jesus. (Matt. 16:18) 2.Jesus shed His blood for the church. (Acts 20:28) 3.Persecution against the church is persecution against Jesus. (Acts 9:4) 4.The church is the bride of Christ. (Eph. 5:24-27, 2 Cor. 11:2, Rev. 19:7-9, 21:1-2) 1. Whose church is it?

6. John 20:31 Application: 1.We must not reject the church. 2.We must guard against apathy. 3.We must guard against consumerism. 4.We must serve. 1. Whose church is it?

7. John 20:31 2. What is meant by the word church? 1.ekklesia: formed “from two Greek words, ek, ‘out,’ and kaleo, ‘to call.’ Thus the ekklesia is composed of ‘the called-out ones.’ 2.In the Septuagint, ekklesia is never used to translate edah, but is used 77 times for qahal which indicates an actual assembly. 3.114 uses of ekklesia in the New Testament. a.85-95 refer to a local congregation. b.The other uses refer to the church in general or the future assembly of all believers of all times.

8. John 20:31 The Definition of a True Church Being (esse) minimumWell-being (bene esse) GospelOffices (pastor & deacon) ordinanceChurch discipline Believers intentionally gatheredOrdinances rightly administered Regenerate congregation Missionary focus, Bible preaching etc.

9. John 20:31 2. What is meant by the word church? Application: 1.The church is a sinful people gathering together to glorify a gracious God. 2.The church is primarily local. 3.Church is also bigger than us.

10. John 20:31 1.Teach the Word 2.Worship 3.Service 4.Evangelism 5.Fellowship 3. What does the church do?

11. John 20:31 1.Love one another: (John 13:34-35; John 15:12-17; Rom 12:9-10; 13:8-10; Gal 5:15; 6:10; Eph 1:15; 1 Pet 1:22; 2:17; 3:8; 4:8; 1 John 3:16; 4:7-12). 2.Seek peace and unity: (Rom 12:16; Rom 14:19; 1 Cor 13:7; 2 Cor 12:20; Eph 4:3-6; Phil 2:3; 1 Thess 5:13; 2 Thess 3:11; James 3:18; 4:11). 3.Avoid strife: (1 Cor 10:32; 11:16; 2 Cor 13:11; Phil 2:1-3). 4.Rejoice and suffer with one another: (Rom 12:15; 1 Cor 12:25; Gal 6:2; 1 Thess 5:14; Heb 4:15; 12:3). 5.Care for one another physically and spiritually: (Matt 25:40; John 12:8; Acts 15:36; Rom 12:13; 15:26; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Gal 2:10; 6:10; Heb 13:16; James 1:27; 1 John 3:17).

12. John 20:31 6.Watch over one another and hold one another accountable: (Rom 15:14; Gal 6:1-2; Phil 2:3-4; 2 Thess 3:15; Heb 12:15). 7.Edify one another: (1 Cor 14:12-26; Eph 2:21-22; 4:12-29; 1 Thess 5:11; 1 Pet 4:10; 2 Pet 3:18). 8.Bear with one another: (Matt 18:21-22; Mark 11:25; Rom 15:1; Gal 6:2; Col 3:12). 9.Not sue one another: (1 Cor 6:1-7). 10.Pray for one another: (Eph 6:18; James 5:16). 11.Separate from people destructive to the church: (Rom 16:17; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10:11). 12.Contend for the Gospel: (Phil 1:27; Jude 3).

13. John 20:31 Gates don’t attack. The church is on the offensive. We should never retreat in fear. The battle belongs to Jesus and He has already won the victory.

14. John 20:31 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8