The Church Meadowhead Christian Fellowship

What is the Church Church comes from the Greek: kuriakos - belonging to the Lord; and Ekklesia: called out ones; assembly; meeting; congregation

What is the Church Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy (Eph 5: 25)

What is the Church Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy (Eph 5: 25) The church is made up of people not buildings

What is the Church But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Biblical Images of the Church

1. The Family Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12: 49

Biblical Images of the Church 1. The Family Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12: 49 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2: 11

Biblical Images of the Church 2. The Bride of Christ

Biblical Images of the Church 2. The Bride of Christ Let us rejoice and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. Rev 19: 7 Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb. Rev 21: 9

Biblical Images of the Church 3 (i) A Body – The Body of Christ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4: 15-16

Biblical Images of the Church 3 (ii) The Church is a Complete Body Ears Eyes Sense of smell A body to praise and worship Jesus

Biblical Images of the Church 3 (iv) Other Descriptions Branches on a vine An Olive tree A field of crops A building A harvest A new temple of living stones God’s house

The Local Church The church in the house The church in the city The church in the region

What is a True Church? People saved by grace who know their sins are forgiven because they have accepted Jesus as Lord

What is a True Church? Acts 2: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43

What is a True Church? Acts 2: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God

What is a True Church? Acts 2: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What is a True Church? Acts 2: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What is a True Church? 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25

Key Points 1.We are part of the worldwide Church of Christ 2.Are you part of the true Church? 3.Let’s show the marks of a true Church at MCF 1.Discipleship & growing in God 2.Community & care for each other 3.Evangelism - Bringing others to Christ