What the Bible says about Church Ecclesiology What the Bible says about Church

Sola Scriptura Sola scriptura is the Christian theological doctrine which holds that the Bible is the supreme authority in all matters of doctrine and practice. Sola scriptura does not deny that other authorities govern Christian life and devotion, but sees them all as subordinate to and corrected by the written word of God.

Metaphors of Scripture for Church Body of Christ – 1 Cor. 12:27, Eph 5:29-30, Col. 1:18 The Bride of Christ – 2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:23-22, Rev 19:7 The temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 3:16-17, Eph 2:19-22, 1Peter 2:5 Members of God’s family – Eph 2:19 A People for God’s own possession – 1 Peter 2:9

Ekklesia

Ekklesia Ekklesia describes an assembly, a gathering, community, or a congregation. It speaks of a people in a relationship more than in an organization.

The Ekklesia Ministering to one another through Teaching Fellowship Sharing Prayer – Acts 2:42 Mutual service Encouragement – Hebrews 1:23-25 Exercise of spiritual gifts – Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12-14, Eph 4 The Lords Supper (Communion) -1 Cor 11:17-30 Giving of Thanks and Worship

Organism not Organization

Corporate Love and Compassion Colossians 3:12-14 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Corporate Love and Compassion It is selfless (1 Cor 13:4-7) Servant hearted (Galatians 5:13-14); Phill 2;3-4) Covers a multitude of sins (James 5:20) This love fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and trust. A willingness to expose our real needs to the other members of the body.

Corporate Identity and Purpose We are a people for God’s own possession Our life is not meant for us. The more we give ourselves to Jesus, the greater our capacity to put other’s interests above our own – Phil 2:4 Our Faith, hope and love become corporate expression within the body of believers that is the church

Corporate Encouragement & Service The more we realize that we are together as allies on this spiritual journey rather than individual agents, the more clearly we can realize that spiritual growth does not happen in a relational vacuum, we need each other to learn and grow.

Corporate Encouragement & Service “…Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50) “…Wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14) “…Love one another…” (John 13:34 and 11 other places) “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10) “…Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10) “Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16) “…Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)

Corporate Encouragement & Service “…Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14) “…Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25) “…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2) “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)

Corporate Worship and Prayer Eph 5:19-20 . . .speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Corporate Worship and Prayer Col 3:15-16 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

4 Purposes of Church Corporate Love and Compassion Corporate Identity and Purpose Corporate Encouragement & Service Corporate Worship and Praise

Ask yourself... When you ask yourself why you go to church on Sundays, stop and ask yourself, what can you bring to church on Sunday? Let’s remember that we as Christians are interdependent on one another just as we are wholly Dependent on God.