Part 7a What is the Church? - A Consumer’s Guide New Covenant Presbyterian Church Inquirer’s Class

Review: The Gospel brings a newness of life. The Moral Law no longer condemns us but guides us. Every Christian now wants to worship God – seeking to worship in spirit and in truth. Every Christian has a duty to fellowship with other believers. Review:

The church is precious to God Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Acts 20:28). The church is precious to God

The church is also to be precious to us. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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. 10:23-25, ESV) The church is also to be precious to us.

The Church of Jesus Christ – A Consumer’s Guide

Begin with a definition What the church is not – A building although it often benefits the church to have a building/facility. Dura Europa Saint Pierre, Geneva (Calvin’s pulpit) New England Meeting House Mt. Martin’s, London Begin with a definition

Begin with a definition What the church is not – A building An organization although the church works better when the organism is organized. Begin with a definition

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2 ESV) Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:25-27, ESV) What the church is not – A building An organization What the church is – The bride of Christ – invisible and visible

What is most important? Is it doctrine? Is it entertainment? Is it duty? Is it fun? Is it where others serve me? Is it where I serve others? Should I demand to have everything in a church to continue my attendance? Should I sacrifice and endure for the sake of others? What is most important?

History Geography Doctrinal Emphasis Commitment to Biblical Integrity & Loyalty

Starting with the Basics The three marks of the real church – The preaching of the Word of God The observance of the sacraments The exercise of discipleship and discipline Starting with the Basics

Read: Confessing Christ, chapter 5 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