The Church The Master’s Plan

why study The Church

is of supreme importance The Church is of supreme importance to God

Christ founded the Church Christ purchased the Church with his own blood The Church is the body of which Christ is the head The Church is the bride of whom Christ is the husband The Church is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit of God Dire warnings are pronounced against anyone who destroys the Church The Church is the “pillar and buttress of the truth” The Church is God’s primary means for world evangelisation The Church is the primary agent for bringing glory to God in the world

The Church The cost The character The calling

The Church how we speak how we treat how we ‘do’

Every earthly pilgrim ought faithfully…to love Jesus Christ, the Lord, the bridegroom of that church, and also the church herself, his bride. Jan Hus (1369 – 1415)

Christian proclamation might make the gospel audible, but Christians living together in local congregations make the gospel visible. The church is the gospel made visible. Mark Dever

is of supreme importance The Church is of supreme importance to God

is of spiritual importance The Church is of spiritual importance to the Church

The Church obedience competence

what is The Church

The Church by name (the Church defined)

ἐκκλησία (ecclesia)

קָהָל (qahal)

The Church In the New Testament: universal local

Wherever believers are gathered together in accordance with Christ’s institution and in his name, there is the church of God, and to that church belong all the functions, prerogatives and promises which God has accorded to the church. John Murray (1898 – 1975)

The Church the people of God, gathered by God to hear the Word of God, then sent into the world by God to declare the glory of God

Church of God, elect and glorious holy nation, chosen race; called as God’s own special people, royal priests and heirs of grace:   1/8

know the purpose of your calling, show to all his mighty deeds; tell of love which knows no limits, grace which meets all human needs.   2/8

God has called you out of darkness into his most marvellous light; brought his truth to life within you, turned your blindness into sight. 3/8

Let your light so shine around you that God’s name is glorified and all find fresh hope and purpose in Christ Jesus crucified. 4/8

Once you were an alien people, strangers to God’s heart of love, but he brought you home in mercy, citizens of heaven above. 5/8

Let his love flow out to others, let them feel the Father’s care, that they too may know his welcome and his countless blessings share. 6/8

Church of God, elect and holy, be the people he intends, strong in faith and swift to answer each command your master sends: 7/8

royal priests, fulfil your calling through your sacrifice and prayer; give your lives in joyful service, sing his praise, his love declare. James Seddon (1915 – 1983) 8/8