Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature The N.T. Scripture presents the church using various “metaphors” to emphasize the different ways her members are to act, function Understanding these “metaphors” will help us see our duties & appreciate God, His plan

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ê The church as a “called out body” Actual meaning of word translated “church” Good example in Acts 19:32, 39, 41 Used in universal sense Mt 16:18 Used in local sense 1 Cor 1:2

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ê The church as a “called out body” This “calling” is not with respect to the specific individual (John, Mary) as is taught by Calvinism Ù their idea of “election” This “calling” is for the kind of person God always wanted (“whosoever”) Joel 2:28 Acts 2:21

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ê The church as a “called out body” This “calling” seeks to bring us out of “darkness” and into His “light” 1 Pet 2:9 cp. Jn 3: Jn 1:5-7 This “calling” is accomplished by the gospel 2 Thess 2:13-14

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ë The church as the “household of God” Emphasis is on our closeness as a family We have a loving Father to Whom the “house” should be thankful Eph 3:14 We have the only Father (exclusiveness) through Whom are all things 1 Cor 8:6

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ë The church as the “household of God” There is a “Son over this house”…Jesus Heb 3:6 This “house” has a Spirit that brings men to adoption, makes them heirs & joint heirs with the Son Rom 8:15-17 Gal 4:7

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ë The church as the “household of God” Some “benefits” of being in this “house”… A Father’s love that allows us to be His children 1 Jn 3:1 The privilege of prayer, making know our requests and needs to our Father Mt 6:6, 9

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ë The church as the “household of God” Some “benefits” of being in this “house”… An all-knowing Father Who is aware of our every need Mt 6:8 Lk 11:9-13 When necessary, a Father who loves us enough to discipline us so that He might bring about “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” Heb 12:5-11

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ì The church as a “kingdom” Emphasis is on the imperial rule of Jesus The “kingdom” preached from the beginning was the same one prophesied of from long ago 2 Sam 7:12-13 Acts 2:30-31 Mk 1:15 Jn 18:33-37

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ì The church as a “kingdom” This “kingdom” is not of this world…it is not defined by worldly attributes…it is not observable as earthly kingdoms are Jn 18:36 Rom 14:17 Lk 17:20-21 A “kingdom” one is not far from Mk 12:34

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ì The church as a “kingdom” This “kingdom” does not pass through or grow through borders or boundaries or lands This “kingdom” passes through (grows) through men…one heart at a time Lk 4:5-8 Mt 28:18-20 Mk 16:15-16

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Ì The church as a “kingdom” This “kingdom” has a law…the teachings of Jesus Christ All men are subject to this law 1 Cor 9:21 All men will be judged by this law Jn 12:48

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Í The church as a “body” Emphasis is on the Head, the various parts that make up the body, and their connected functions for the body’s well being The “body” & the “church” are synonymous Eph 1:22-23 Col 1:18, 24

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Í The church as a “body” There is only one “body” Eph 4:4 The “body” is subject to the Head in all her responsibilities Eph 5:24 Every “joint” in the “body” must supply its part for the body as a whole Eph 4:16

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 9 Ù The Church Of The Lord The Church Of The Lord – Its Nature Í The church as a “body” The proper attitudes re: body members need to be present 1 Cor 12:15-19, 21 Some members may discount their worth, importance to the body vv Some members may inflate their worth v. 21

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics