Q&T

I. Who are the church? The New Testament word for "church" in Greek is ἐ κκλησία, (ekklésia), which means "the called out ones." * The church are those people “called out” of the world of unbelief into a new relationship with God and with each other.

A. * Broad Definition of Church = People who are called by God to be members of God's Covenant but may not be saved 1. Old Testament nation (church) of Israel were members of God’s Old Covenant by birth (circumcision) but not necessarily true members by faith 2. New Testament community of believers (Church) are members of God’s New Covenant by birth (baptism) but not necessarily true members by faith

B. * Narrow Definition: God’s elect, chosen for Salvation 1. Old Test. faithful believers / followers of God within the nation of Israel included by birth and profession, having received the sign of the covenant (circumcision) and saved 2. New Test. faithful believers / followers of Jesus within the new nation of believers included by birth and profession, having received the sign of the covenant (baptism) and saved

Members in name only Members in heart In church but not saved Part of church and saved Galatians 5:6 (Faith is what counts, not circumcision (or baptism) Matthew 7:21 (Not those who just call Jesus, Lord) Matthew 22:14 (Many are called, few are chosen)

II. Biblical Metaphors for the church of Jesus Christ A. * The Body of Jesus Christ, with Christ as the Head. - like parts of a body, each member has a different but important function for the church to be healthy / strong and performing its Mission WITH God) (Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 4:15)

B. * Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation - like Old Testament chosen nation of Israel, the “New Nation” of Christians are to fulfill their role as royal members of God’s Kingdom, a Holy people (through the Holy Spirit), serving as the priests of the world to bring people to God and so fulfill God’s Mission) (1 Peter 2:9-10)

C. * The Bride of Christ - like a married couple, Christ lives in spiritual union with his people united in love and working together for a common purpose (God’s Mission) (Ephesians 5:25-27) D. * God’s Building - Believers are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, living stones built into a spiritual house where God dwells. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

E. * The Family of God - The church is made up of brothers and sisters who all have God as their “Dad” (John 1:12-13, Romans 8:14-17)

III. The Church of the Living (on earth and in heaven) A. The Triumphant Church (Hebrews 12:1) 1. * Those who have died and live with God in heaven

B. The Militant Church (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ) 1. * Those who are fighting for God on earth a. * Invisible church (believers around the world) b. * Visible church (people belonging to a local church) * - Organism (the people within a local church) * - Institution (the offices/activities of a church)

IV. Organization of the Church A. * Catholic Church Hierarchal Structure 1. Pope 2. Cardinals 3. Archbishops 4. Bishops 5. Priests 6. Deacons 7. Laity (regular active members of the church, NOT ordained (set apart for special a special service or office in the church) but participating in the life of the church)

B. * Protestant Church Structure 1. Board or Council: - Elders (spiritual concerns) - Deacons (material / physical concerns) - Pastor (usually considered an Elder) 2. Laity

V. What is a TRUE church? A. * A church that truly preaches the word of God 1. The Bible must be the ultimate authority in the worship and the life of the members

B. * A church that rightly administers of the Sacraments (elements of worship designated by the church as special means of grace) 1. The Lord's Supper and Baptism must be an important and honored part of the life of the church

C. * A church that disciplines its members 1. The church must care about and monitor the spiritual life of its members out of love, encouraging spiritual growth, confronting sin, and protecting the church from heresy D. * A church that serves God’s Mission by reaching out to its community 1. The church must serve society through witness and service