Some think of a building Some think of a denomination

Some think of a building Some think of a denomination Some think of a hierarchy or government

As used in the Bible – the word CHURCH is not a religious word The word CHURCH is translated from the Greek EKKLESIA “Ek” means “out of” “klesia” means “called”

The assembly (Ekklesia) was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (Acts 19:32 NIV) Acts 19:23-41

The assembly (Ekklesia) was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (Acts 19:32 NIV) Acts 19:23-41 Same word translated Church

If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly (Ekklesia). (Acts 19:39 NIV)

If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly (Ekklesia). (Acts 19:39 NIV) Best translated “assembly”

“Ekklesia” is a collective noun like: Covey Herd Flock Troop Jury Team Family School Committee Congress When Jesus said “I will build my church” (Matt 16:18), he was not talking about an organization or a corporation – but a group of people

Roman Catholic Church Protestant Denomination God The Saved People

Roman Catholic Church Protestant Denomination God The Saved People

Roman Catholic Church Protestant Denomination God The Saved People

Roman Catholic Church Protestant Denomination God The Church is the Saved People

Roman Catholic Church Protestant Denomination God The Church is the Saved People Non- denominationa l Denomination

The Church – A look at two uses in the Bible THE UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY (church) THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY (church) If we don’t learn to make the proper distinction between these two uses for the people of God – we will tend to think in a denominational sense In today’s lesson – we will look at this distinction In our next lesson we will see some of what we need to learn from this truth

The Church: Universal and Local The Universal Church And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18 NIV) PEOPLE SAVED BY JESUS

The Church: Universal and Local The Universal Church You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:18-23 NIV)

The Church: Universal and Local The Universal Church The Local Church To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-- their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1 NIV)

The Church: Universal and Local The Universal Church The Local Church What are the distinctions between the Universal and Local Church? Why is it important to know these differences?

Distinction in Fellowship That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched-- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. (apostles) And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. (1 John 1:1-4) In Universal Church, Fellowship with God is emphasized

Distinction in Fellowship This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. (1 John 1:5- 6 NIV) In Universal Church, Fellowship with God is emphasized

Distinction in Fellowship Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV) In Local Church, Fellowship with Brethren is emphasized

Distinction in Fellowship And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; (Philippians 4:15 ASV) In Local Church, Fellowship with Brethren is emphasized

Distinction in Manner of Entry Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38 NIV) In Universal Church, we enter at the point of forgiveness Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41 NIV) praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47 NIV)

Distinction in Manner of Entry For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NIV) In Universal Church, we enter at the point of forgiveness You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27 NIV)

Distinction in Manner of Entry In Local Church, a Person Joins When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9:26-28 NIV)

Distinction in Enrollment But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22-23 NIV) In Universal Church, God enrolls and he never makes mistakes Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," (2 Timothy 2:1)

Distinction in Enrollment When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (Acts 9:26 NIV) In Local Church, Humans are the enrollers and they do make mistakes They refused Saul at first

Distinction in Enrollment In Local Church, Humans are the enrollers and they do make mistakes The local church – he could not do this in respect to the universal church I wrote something to the church; Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and puts them out of the church.

Distinction in Effect of Death In Universal Church, Death does not effect our Fellowship with God For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:21-25 NIV)

Distinction in Effect of Death In Universal Church, Death does not effect our Fellowship with God Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 NIV) To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Revelation 3:21 NIV)

Distinction in Effect of Death In Local Church, Death does effect our Membership Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. (Acts 8:2 NIV) Stephen was no longer a member of the Jerusalem church – but his death did not effect his fellowship with God The Universal church consists of saints both dead and alive – the local church consists only of those still in the flesh.

Distinction in Beginning For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-- now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:15 NIV) The Universal Church began at the time period surrounding Christ’s death I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:16 NIV)

Distinction in Beginning He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (John 11:51-52 NIV) The Universal Church began at the time period surrounding Christ’s death The Sovereign LORD declares-- he who gathers the exiles of Israel: "I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered." (Isaiah 56:8 NIV)

Distinction in Beginning Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41 NIV) The Universal Church began at the time period surrounding Christ’s death The 3000 were added to those already saved I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:11 NIV) God had collected stones for his building since the beginning of time – but the foundation was laid in 30 A.D.

Distinction in Beginning A Local Church can begin any time after 30 A.D. The Longmont church began in July, 1981 I remember seeing church buildings in the south that had a cornerstone which said – “established in A.D. 33”. They confused the universal church with the local church. I don’t know of any local church begun in the first century that has continued until the present Local churches do cease to exist – the universal church lasts forever

Distinction in Number Only One Universal Church And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV) There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- (Ephesians 4:4 NIV) For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-- whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV)

Distinction in Number Can not even accurately count the number of local churches in the history of Christianity Seven are mentioned in Asia in Revelation Acts mentions other churches that were in Asia

Distinction in Earthly Organization And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, (Ephesians 1:22 NIV) The universal church has no earthly organization At universal church has no earthly address, no telephone number, no zip code, no area code

Distinction in Earthly Organization Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1 NIV) The local church has overseers called shepherds, elders You can write a letter to a local church or even call them on the phone. They might have a building or at least a mailing address

Distinction in Shepherds The universal church has One Shepherd: Jesus Christ "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11 NIV) May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, (Hebrews 13:20 NIV) For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25 NIV)

Distinction in Shepherds The local church has a plurality of shepherds Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23 NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1 NIV) From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17 NIV)

Distinction in Composition For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. (Ephesians 5:23 NIV) The universal church is composed only of the saved

Distinction in Composition Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:14-16 NIV) The local church is composed of some who may be lost The universal church includes only the saved (both living and dead), local church might consist of both saved and lost.

Distinction in Necessity of Belonging By definition, one must be a member of the universal church to be saved – “It is an assembly of the saved” Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV)

Distinction in Necessity of Belonging local church membership is not necessary to be saved One does not have to be a member of a particular local church to be saved One does not have to be a member of any local church to be saved We will learn later that God wants us to be a member of a local church – it is his gift to help keep us saved – but local church membership is not absolutely essential to be right with God

Distinction in Necessity of Belonging local church membership is not necessary to be saved When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. (Acts 9:26 NIV) Paul was not a member of the local church yet but was pleasing to God The Ethiopian in Acts 8 obeyed the gospel but was not a member of a local church Diotrephes ….. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:10 NIV) Though these people were not in a local fellowship they were in fellowship with God

Distinction in Assembling The Universal church has an eternal assembly But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first- born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:22-23 NASB)

Distinction in Assembling The Local Church has many assemblies not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25 NASB)

Distinction in Founder The Universal Church is founded by Jesus Christ “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt 16:18)

Distinction in Founder The Local Church is founded by a group of Christians Or possibly by an evangelist

SUMMARY The Universal church and Local church are vastly different The Universal church emphasizes fellowship with God The Local church emphasizes fellowship with other Christians However, when one is in fellowship with God he will want to be in a local church Often our fellowship with God depends on our relationship with other Christians

SUMMARY The Universal church and Local church are vastly different In Evangelism – should we emphasize the local church before we emphasize fellowship with God? Should we emphasize the “identifying marks” of the New Testament church or the blood of the Savior who made a New Testament possible?

SUMMARY Are we talking about the universal church – which is simply the saved people? A local church? – which one is the ONE TRUE CHURCH? A collection or list of local churches – isn’t this a denominational concept? What do we make of lessons about the One True Church