Part 7c What is the Church? – Reformed?? New Covenant Presbyterian Church Inquirer’s Class

Review: Presbyterian comes from “presbuteros” (Gk. for “elder”) The Bible does teach a specific form of self-government: rule by elders Review:

The Presbyterian form of government connects other congregations in a form of mutual support and accountability: Review:

So, our church is Presbyterian as to government. It is also Reformed as to doctrine – “Reformed” refers to the historic correction of the Christian church back to what the Bible, alone, teaches that occurred with the Reformers in the 16th c.

By the 1400s, the integrity of the Church had deteriorated – political corruption financial corruption moral corruption claimed divine authority over civil affairs put aside of the Bible’s teaching and created its own The Church forbade the reading of the Bible. punished those who challenged the institution. charged money for the “forgiveness” of “certain” sins. robbed Christians of the assurance of their salvation.

Martin Luther, October 31, 1517

The “Protest-ant” Reformation

Our church is Reformed – “Presbyterian” refers to our form of government “Reformed” refers to the doctrine we hold - back to what the Bible, alone, teaches. Sola Scriptura

What does the Bible teach? History of God’s people The voice of God Prophecy Poetry Teaching to the church Teaching to individuals NOT! What does the Bible teach?

How may we organize this teaching How may we organize this teaching? By way of formulating a creed or confession.

A “Confession” is a summary of all the Bible has to teach A “Confession” is a summary of all the Bible has to teach. A confession is written from: All parts of the Bible.

A “Confession” is a summary of all the Bible has to teach A “Confession” is a summary of all the Bible has to teach. A confession is written from: All parts of the Bible. Balancing all that the Bible says properly.

A “Confession” is a summary of all the Bible has to teach A “Confession” is a summary of all the Bible has to teach. A confession is written from: All parts of the Bible. Balancing all that the Bible says properly. Understanding the movement of redemptive history toward its goal.

The Bible itself composes confessions. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Dt. 6:4-5, ESV) The Bible itself composes confessions.

The Bible itself composes confessions. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:5-11, ESV) The Bible itself composes confessions.

The Bible itself composes confessions. If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Tim. 2:11-13, ESV) The Bible itself composes confessions.

The early church had its creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles’ Creed The early church had its creed.

3. The Age of Confessions Summary statements of faith based on Reformation principles: Sola Scriptura Sola Fide Solus Christus Sola Gratia

The Westminster Assembly – 1643

Perseverance of the Saints Irresistible Grace Limited Atonement Unconditional Election Total Depravity The T.U.L.I.P.

Homework: Confessing Christ, Chapter 6 Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapters 27-29 Homework:

New Covenant Presbyterian Church Preaching God’s Sovereign Grace to a World of Need 128 St. Mary’s Church Rd. Abingdon, MD 21009 410-569-0289 www.ncpres.org www.ephesians515.com