In our last study: We addressed the Greek word translated “church” and noted it is: Universally – a reference to all who are saved Locally – a group of the saved in a given location who join together in an ordered, arranged and organized way to work and worship as the body of Christ. According to the NT, that is exactly what the church of Christ is!

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH (3) The Church Described (1)

The called out body The actual Greek word, ἐκκλησία, (ekklēsia) literally means a calling out (and has reference to an assembling) The NT often speaks of this “calling”. Not a miraculous, uncontrolled call – but an invitation to follow Him.

The called out body We are called Col 3:15 – called in one body 2 The 2:14 – called you by our gospel 1 Pet 5:10, Phi 3:14 – called of God 1 Cor 1:9 – into fellowship with His Son

The called out body We are called 2 Thes 1:11 – worthy of this calling 2 Tim 1:9 – called us with a holy calling 1 John 3:1 – called children of God 1 Peter 2:9 – called out of darkness

The called out body Because we are called: Eph 4:1 – walk worthy of your calling 1 Peter 1:15-16 – be holy, as He who called you is holy 1 Thes 4:7, 1 Cor 1:2, Rom 1:7 – called to be saints

The called out body Because we are called: 1 Peter 2:21 – to suffer as He did 2 Peter 1:10 – make your call and election sure

The first description this morning, is that all the members of the body of Christ are: “The Called Out Body” So, during the NT church lessons for this 2019, you are not going to hear any use of “nicknames” at all, because we are committed to “speak where the Bible speaks”. The “called out body” from the world unto holiness!

The Body Of Christ We have frequently addressed this description A body is a living organism, with a head and members. A collective noun 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – we are the body of Christ. Baptized into that body Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ is the head of this body Colossians 1:18

The Body Of Christ Romans 12:4-5 – as part of the body, we have functions to fulfill. Ephesians 4:16 – essential to growth The analogy of the church with the physical body is: we must do our part! Remember then: ONE individual member alone, is NOT the church.

The Body Of Christ Because we are part of the body of Christ Ephesians 5:23-24 – we are subject to the head Ephesians 4:4 – we are to be united Ephesians 4:16 – we are to grow as part of the body We are called to keep her pure – Ephesians 5:25-30, cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6-7

The Body Of Christ Do we understand the beautiful responsibility that we all have, of being members of the “body of Christ”? “The body of Christ” takes care, encourages, loves, disciplines, supports, sympathizes, cries, laughs, sorrows, rejoices, defends, and protects the members, because we are of the same body!

The Kingdom Of Christ Kingdom – a form of government with a king, territory, subjects and a law. Matthew 16:18-19 – church/kingdom are used interchangeably. Both find their beginning in Acts 2. Matthew 3:2, 4:17, Mark 9:1 – described as future

The Kingdom and the church are the same.

The Kingdom Of Christ Christ is our King – 1 Timothy 6:15, Acts 2:36 - He is Lord and Christ A spiritual kingdom - John 18:36-37, Romans 14:17, Luke 17:20-21 He conquered Satan! Heb 2:14-15, 1 John 3:8 Matthew 28:18 – He has authority

The Kingdom Of Christ Christ is our King – 1 Peter 3:22, Acts 2:33, Heb 10:12-13 - He is reigning as King His law is our law – John 12:48, Mat 28:18-20, cf. Mat 7:21 We are citizens of this kingdom- Phil 3:20, Ephesians 2:19

The Kingdom Of Christ Because we are part of His kingdom! We are subject to Him and His laws We are called upon to be loyal to Him as our King We are under His protection

Remember: the church, “the kingdom of Christ”, IS NOT a democracy”, but a “MONARCHY”. Christ = the King. What the king says, that, WE DO! The Christians = The territory. WE JUST OBEY! The New Testament = His Law. WE MUST FOLLOW IT! Here, we don’t get to vote and the majority wins. Here, we follow His Word, and His Word always WINS!

What does the church of Christ mean to you?