THE CHURCH
Series 4
The word “church” comes from the Greek word ekklessía, which means, assembly.
A. The church is the family of God.
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Apostles = New Testament
Prophets = + Old Testament
The Bible
A. Jesus is the Head of the church.
B. The church is His Body.
1. Ephesians 4:11-12
a. Just as the physical body it made of parts that perform various functions, the Body of Christ has members with different functions:
i. Apostles
§ These were men appointed directly by Jesus to carry His message.
o There were 12 apostles appointed for the Jews (Matthew 10:2-8).
o Paul was an apostle appointed for the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-16).
o Apostles were able to raise the dead (Matthew 10:8).
ii. Prophets
§ These were men to whom God spoke through visions, dreams or direct speech (Numbers 12:6-8).
iii. Evangelists
§ These are men who preach at the Church -- like Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5)
iv. Pastors (also called elders, bishops or overseers)
§ These are aged men to whom the task of overseeing (or pastoring) the Church is given (Acts 20:28).
§ Their qualifications are listed in 1Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9.
v. Teachers
§ These are disciples who teach other disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
b. The function of these men is to prepare God’s people to do works of service (ministry).
2. 1Timothy 3:8
a. Deacons (an attendant; waiter)
§ Their job is to serve in the members of the Church.
§ In Acts 6:1-6, seven men (deacons) were appointed to wait on tables.
§ Their qualifications are listed in 1Timothy 3:8-12.
b. Reverend, Father, Pope, Cardinal, Arch Bishop, Sr. Pastor, and Jr. Pastor
§ These titles are never worn by Christians in the Scriptures.
§ In Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus taught the people not to elevate any man with titles.
§ In God’s Family, we are all brothers; God is the only One worthy of titles.
3. 1Timothy 2:12 (1Corinthians 14:34)
a. The Lord’s Church do not have women preachers and pastors
a. It’s purpose -- 1Corinthians 11:23-26
i. The bread represents Christ’s body
ii. The cup (called the ‘fruit of the vine’ - Matt. 26:29) represents Christ’s blood
iii. Each time we take the Lord’s Supper:
o We remember what He did for us on the cross
o We proclaim His death until He comes
v In other words, the Lord's Supper looks back at Christ's death and looks forward to His return!
b. It’s Frequency -- Acts 20:7
i. The Lord’s Church broke bread on the first day of the week (Sunday).
a. Singing is a sign of happiness (James 5:13)
b. We declare God’s name and praise Him in the Church by singing (Hebrews 2:12)
c. We teach one another by singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16)
a. 1Corinthians 16:1-2
i. On Sundays, members of the Lord’s Church would set aside a sum of money to help God’s people
a. The monies are used towards church expenses and to support missionaries and the propelling of the gospel with tracts and other materials.
b. The contributions of the church at Philippi were considered a sweet offering and sacrifice to God (Philippians 4:15-18).
i. Giving is an act of worship to God.
ii. God is pleased when we give, especially when we give with a cheerful heart
(2 Corinthians 9:7)
a. In the Church, the teachers, especially the evangelists, are to read, teach and preach God’s Word (1Timothy 4:13)
a. The following is to be made for everyone (1Timothy 2:1-2)
i. Requests – lifting up requests before God.
ii. Prayers – lifting up general prayers before God.
iii. Intercession – lifting up prayers on behalf of others.
iv. Thanksgiving – lifting up prayers, expressing thankfulness to God
1. A person must believe what the Bible says about Jesus
a. He is the Son of God (John 3:16)
b. He is God (John 1:1)
c. He died, was buried and rose again -- the gospel (1Corinthians 15:1-4)
2. A person must repent of sinful behavior
a. Those who do not repent will be lost (Luke 13:3).
3. A person must confess Jesus as Lord
a. One must confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9)
4. A person must be baptized
a. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)
b. One is united to Christ at baptism (Romans 6:3-4)
5. A person must remain faithful till death
a. Those who remain faithful to the end will be saved (Mark 13:13; Rev. 2:10)
1. 1Corinthians 12:27 - The body of Christ.
2. Ephesians 2:19 – The household of God.
3. 1Corinthians 1:2 - The church of God
4. Romans 16:16 – The churches of Christ
A. The purpose for Christians assembling together is for mutual encouragement.
B. We are to devote ourselves to the gathering of God’s people.