The New Testament Church Review and Conclusion

What is the Church? A part of God’s plan from the beginning. Ephesians 3:10-11 Thus the church is important From Greek, ἐκκλησία, (ekklēsia), a word meaning, “to call out”. It is reference to an assembling. We are the assembly of Christ’s saints

What is the Church? The word is never used to describe an individual, but a collective noun (e.g. flock, herd, fleet, etc.) Found some 115 times in the NT (NKJV)

What is the Church? Universal – descriptive of all who are saved as seen by God. No earthly organization. Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23

Which is a part of God’s pattern? What is the Church? Local – a group of saints who join together in a given locale to do the work God calls for us to do. 1 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:2, Revelation 1:4, etc. We DO have instructions as to our function as a local church (congregation) All must subscribe to the same pattern – Revelation 2:7, etc. Which is a part of God’s pattern? Both!

What is the Church? God wants us to be part of a local congregation – when we consider her works, how we work together, our mission, worship, etc. IF we are serious about our spiritual growth, we will not seek to avoid the local church!

Establishing authority Is God’s pattern sufficient? Cf. Hebrews 8:5 If so, why is there so much division and religious confusion? Far too many reject God’s pattern, and seek to establish their own ways. We must accept God’s word for all that we do

Establishing authority Three ways to establish authority: Direct command (tell it). Most of God’s commands are like this. Approved example (show it). Example Acts 20:7 Necessary inference (infer). We reach an unavoidable conclusion – Example: Acts 20:7 – how often?

Establishing authority There are two types of authority: Specific – God tells how to do something – Go – Mark 16:15, Baptism – immersed (Rom. 6:3-4) Generic – we have discretion to carry out a command Mark 16:15 – what mode of transportation? Most commands contain both!

Identifying the NT Church To find the TRUE church, let us consider what the church looked like in the Bible. It’s name – can you find our name in the Bible? Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Scriptural names show we are following God’s word

Identifying the NT Church Its Organization Autonomous and independent – Self-governing. A congregation answers directly to the Lord, and not to some earthly headquarters or another congregation Each congregation exists as if it were the only one on earth (but there are many)

Identifying the NT Church Its Organization Can congregations cooperate? Yes. But they NEVER surrender their autonomy. Concurrent cooperation (working together, side by side, etc.) NOT collective (pooling resources and surrendering our work to another congregation) We have example in benevolence and evangelism

Identifying the NT Church Its Organization Leaders are limited in their authority Elders – Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2-3 Deacons – appointed and qualified servants who assist the elders – 1 Timothy 3:5-8 Preachers – preach the word – Ephesians 4:11 Saints – all Christians (Philippians 1:1)

Identifying the NT Church What is its work? Evangelism – reaching the lost 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:8, Philippians 4:15-16 Edification – building up the saints – Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, etc.

Identifying the NT Church What is its work? Benevolence – limited to needy saints, either locally or abroad 1 Timothy 5:3ff, Acts 11:27-30, etc. Worship – a part of our work. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 4:24, etc. When done properly, we are also edified as a result of this

Identifying the NT Church What is its work? We must also remember there is a distinction between the individual and the church 1 Timothy 5:16, Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 11:22, 34 – eat at home Acts 4:32-5:11 – separate treasuries

Identifying the NT Church How do we worship? God has always viewed how we worship Him as important John 4:24, etc. Patterns have meaning

Identifying the NT Church How do we worship? Preaching and studying – 1 Timothy 3:15, Acts 20:7, 2:42 Praying – how we talk to God – 1 Corinthians 14:15 The Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, etc.

Identifying the NT Church How do we worship? Contribution –on the first day of the week 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Singing – no authority for instrumental music – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15, etc. We NEED to assemble! Hebrews 10:24-25

Identifying the NT Church Striving for unity and purity God wants us to be united 1 Corinthians 1:10ff Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 2:-12, etc. God want purity – Ephesians 5:25-27 This includes purging impurities – 1 Corinthians 5:4-6, Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15

Identifying the NT Church Striving for unity and purity We cannot tolerate false doctrine or immorality in our midst! Ephesians 5:11 That is why we must teach the whole counsel of God cf. Acts 20:20, 26-27 We want to ground the congregation in truth

Becoming part of His church How a congregation teaches one is saved is crucial! It determines its membership (or should) One must obey the gospel Romans 10:17, Mark 16:16, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:38, 17:30-31, Matthew 10:32-33, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16, etc.

Becoming part of His church One must strive to remain faithful Revelation 2:10, Luke 9:62 Our goal as the Lord’s body is to help each other remain faithful to Him. But ultimately, you will answer for yourself – 2 Corinthians 5:10-11

How important is His church to you?