1. A Study of the New Testament Church

2. 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.

3. The Church Described (1)
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (2)
The Church Described (1)

4. 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.

5. The called out body We are called Colossians 3:15 – called in one body
2 Thessalonians 2:14 – called you by our gospel
1 Peter 5:10, Philippians 3:14 – called of God
1 Corinthians 1:9 – into fellowship with His Son

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

7. The called out body Because we are called:
Ephesians 4:1 – walk worthy of your calling
1 Peter 1:15-16 – be holy, as He who called you is holy 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7 – called to be saints

8. 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

9. 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: Christ is the head of this body Colossians 1:18

10. The body of Christ
Romans 12:4-5 – as part of the body, we have functions to fulfill.
Ephesians 4:16 – essential to growth

11. The body of Christ Ephesians 5:23-24 – we are subject to the head
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

12. The Kingdom of God
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

13. The Kingdom Began at Pentecost (Acts 2:29-36)
Daniel 2:44
Matt. 3:2
Matt. 4:17
Matt. 6:10
Matt. 10:7
Matt. 16:19
Mark 9:1
Luke 23:51
Acts 1:6-8
Acts 14:22
Acts 28:23
Rom. 14:17
1 Cor. 4:20
1 Cor. 15:24-25
Col. 1:13
1 Tim. 6:15
Heb. 12:28
Rev. 1:9
Based on chart from Truth Commentary, Luke 9:27 C.G. Caldwell

14. The Kingdom of God 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! Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 John 3:8
Matthew 28:18 – He has authority

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

16. The Kingdom of God
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

17. What does the church of Christ mean to you?