The New Testament Church What is the Church?

The word “church” is from German, “kirch” or Scottish “kirk” and is a word that has more to do with the place of meeting than the Biblical meaning.

What is the Church? In the New Testament, from the Greek word, ἐκκλησία, (ekklesia) which is a compound Greek word meaning, “to call out” (of something) See Acts 19:32, 39 & 41 Also Heb. 2:12 (assembly - NKJV)

What is the Church? In the New Testament, “church” has reference to the called out body of those who belong to Christ, more literally, “the assembly of those belonging to Christ.” (a group that belongs to Him)

What is the Church? The term is NEVER used of an individual – it is a collective noun! The Bible’s distinction of “church” is a noble attempt to recognize its use in a sacred setting (hence the distinction).

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) Universal – a reference to the body of all who are saved. Relationship with Christ and God (not an organization)

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) Universal – Matthew 16:18 Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:10, 3:21 Hebrews 12:22-23

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) Local – a group of saints (membership based upon belief that one is part of the universal church) who join together (organize) to do the work God has prescribed for such bodies.

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) Local– 1 Corinthians 1:2 Acts 5:11 Churches (many congregations)– Galatians 1:2, Revelation 1:4 Acts 16:5

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) Local– no particular congregation, but a work of the local church Matthew 18:17 James 5:14 1 Timothy 3:5

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) Other – text where both can be understood (and the distinction made) Acts 9:31 Galatians 1:13 1 Corinthians 10:32 1 Timothy 3:15 It has been emphasized that each local church exists as if it were the only one on earth Answering directly to Christ (based upon His word)!

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) As an assembly – when brethren who comprise the church meet to worship God 1 Corinthians 11:18 1 Corinthians 14:4, 5, 12, 19, etc.

Uses of ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) The word “church” – is NEVER used to describe an organization larger than a local congregation Furthermore, the word is NEVER used to describe the building!

The “church” described The “church” A description of function – we are called by the gospel – 2 Thess. 2:14 Called out of the world – 2 Cor. 6:17,1 Pet. 2:9

The “church” described The “body of Christ” He is head, we are the body Eph. 1:22-23, Col. 1:18 We are members individually (not a body of congregations) 1 Cor. 12:12-27 We must grow – Eph. 4:15-16 We must keep it pure – 1 Cor. 6:18-20

The “church” described The “bride of Christ” We are “married” or “betrothed” to Christ Ephesians 5: Corinthians 11:2 We need fidelity to Him

The “church” described A “kingdom” We are subjects to His Lordship! Matt. 18:19 Eph. 2:19, 1 Pet. 2:11 Hebrews 12:28 Serve Him as your Lord!

The “church” described A “household” We are a family. We are sons of God. Ephesians 2:19 1 Timothy 3:15 We must obey our Father! Privileges of being in the family

The “church” described A “temple” To offer worship to Him! Ephesians 2:19-22 Rom. 12:1-2 We are to worship Him Offer ourselves as “living sacrifices”

Authority in the 1 st century church They recognized Christ as Head – Matt. 28:18-20, Eph. 1:22- 23, 1 Cor. 3:9-11 The message of apostles was respected – 1 Cor. 14:37, 11:23, 2 Thess. 2:15 Distinguished between Old and New law

Authority in the 1 st century church Respected the silence of scripture– 1 Pet. 4:11, 1 Cor. 4:6 Were united in doctrine (not denominations) – 1 Cor. 4:17, 7:17; Col. 4:16, etc.

May we strive to make this church “the church of Christ