Bible Study _______, 2011 Citadella

The Study of the Church (Ecclesiology)

Ecclesiology What is it? ekklesia - “assembly” or “called out” 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. The church is the body of persons called out from the bondage of sin into the kingdom of God

Ecclesiology Foundation of the Church Matthew 16:13-18 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ,” the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “blessed are you Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other that the one already laid, which Is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:3,4 They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

Ecclesiology Universal Church What is it? Ephesians 1:22-23 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. The Universal Church is the Body of Christ, which is an organic entity where every believer is vitally connected to every other member, and all are under the authority of Christ, the head.

Ecclesiology Local Church Definition an organized assembly of professing believers in a particular locality that exists to extend God’s kingdom on earth 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother. To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: It is a visible subset of the universal church

Ecclesiology Functions of the Local Church Worship Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the lord. Corporate Prayer Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Instruction, Preaching and Teaching Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

Ecclesiology Functions of the Local Church Fellowship Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Ministry – evangelism & mutual service Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. (KJV)

Ecclesiology Functions of the Local Church Service to others Matthew 25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did you see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The king will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Ecclesiology Functions of the Local Church Ordinances 1. The Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way after supper he took the cup, saying. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 2. Water Baptism Colossians 2:12 Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

Ecclesiology