The Origin & Nature of the Church

Ekklesia: Assembly Ekklēsia : from ek, "out of," and klēsis, "a calling" ( kaleō, "to call"), was used among the Greeks of a body of citizens "gathered" to discuss the affairs of state, Acts 19:39. In Acts 7:38 it is used of Israel; in Acts 19:32, 41, of a riotous mob. Vine's

The Universal Church It has two applications to companies of Christians, (a) to the whole company of the redeemed throughout the present era And the company of which Christ said, "I will build My Church," Matt. 16:18, and which is further described as "the Church which is His Body," Eph. 1:22; Eph. 5:23,—Vine‘s

The Local Church (b) in the singular number (e.g., Matt. 18:17, RV marg., "congregation"), to a company consisting of professed believers, e.g., Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:5, and in the plural, with reference to churches in a district.— Vine's

Why Do We Use the Term “Assembly.” It is useful in that it differentiates the people from the building or service. The connotation is of people coming together. However “ekklesia” also carries the important concept of “calling out.”

Differences? The Universal Church: No differences—all believers are one in Christ and share the same standing. The Local Church: Differences in Authority: Titus 1; 1 Tim 3; Gifting & Function: Rom 12:3- 8

Distinctions? The Universal Church: No distinctions—Male and female are one in Christ and both are equally saved by faith alone The Local Church: Distinctions in roles—There are definite differences of roles for the man and woman. 1 Tim 2:8-15

Security? The Universal Church Security—no true Christian can ever lose his place in the body of Christ. The Local Church Not Secure—Sin can lead to discipline including exclusion from the local body for a time. 1Cor.5

Service to the King The Universal Church Ultimately only two areas of service (kings and priests) The Local Church Many areas of service depending on gifts: Rom. 12; 1 Cor 12; Eph 4

Local Church: Miniature of the Universal Church The head of both is Jesus Christ. Eph. 1 No such thing in scripture as joining a local church. If you a member of the universal church you are part of the body. We are not a denomination. Denominations divide the universal church.

Mission of the Church Outward: Evangelize the world – Matt 28 Inward: Edify one another - Eph 4 Upward: Glorify God - 1 Cor 11

Local Church Defined A group of believers who regularly meet under the leadership of elders and the meet to fulfill the two ordinances (Baptism & Communion) and the threefold mission. A bible study or para-church organization, for example, are not local churches.

The Metaphors of the Church The Temple of God (1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pt 2:5) The Bride of Christ (Eph 5:21-33) The Flock (Acts 20:28, 1 Pt 5:2, 3) The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-14)

The Temple of God Description of the church emphasizes the unity of purpose and the common goal of all believers to see the furtherance of the gospel and to glorify Christ. Foundation and cornerstone is the Lord Jesus Himself, the means by which every Christian is incorporated into the church (1 Cor 3:10, 11; 1 Pt 2:6).

The Bride of Christ The love that Christ has for the church and the future intimacy with Him that is her destiny. Present condition of the church: Awaiting the return of her Lord. The Church should recognize the Lordship of Christ and freely and willingly submit to His will and purposes (Phil 2:9-11).

The Flock Illustrates the responsibility of the “undershepherds” (elders) of the local church in diligently caring for the flock. Jesus Himself is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pt 2:25) and ultimately He may trusted for nourishing and protecting His sheep (Ps 23).

The Vine & The Branches The church is part of the true vine, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jn 15:1-14 The Lord has chosen to bear fruit, not directly, but by means of the branches abiding in Him—namely the church. Pruning is done for more fruitfulness Branches have no power to produce or for life apart from the vine.

Being “In Fellowship” 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Heb 10:24-25 (ESV)

Breaking Bread 11 And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted. Acts 20:11-12 (ESV)

Giving Through the Local Church 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 1 Cor 16:1-2 (ESV)

Maturing in the Local Church 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have 1 Tim 4: (ESV)