THE CHURCH OF GOD
Discipleship Class • Sermon • Submitted
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· 3 viewsIn this lesson Pastor Bogan explains the nature and function of the Church.
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The term “church” (Greek: ekklēsía) has several meanings. It can refer to those who are called out, or it can refer to an assembly. In the ancient world people would assemble for various reasons (economic, political, etc.). These “assemblies” were loosely called churches (, ). The word “assembly” in verse 32 is the word ekklēsía or church.
ekklēsía
What is the Church?
What is the Church?
A. The Church IS NOT...
A. The Church IS NOT...
A Physical Building
Before God’s people ever built any building (temple) to God they were called the “Church” (). Buildings are intended to help the Church serve God/other. They were never intended to BE the Church!
An Institution
An institution is something that operates according to a prescribed custom. However, belonging to the Church does not require one to observe many of the prescribed religious customs and traditions that we observe today ().
A Social Club
Those who see the Church as a social club are attracted to programs and services, and not to Christ (see ). Unfortunately, many are seeking a relationship with men, rather than a relationship with God!
B. The Church IS...
B. The Church IS...
A Body ()
Everyone who is a member of the Church is a member of Christ’s body. Every member is baptized into Christ by a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit (). Every member of the Church is supernaturally joined to every other member. This is a reminder that the Christian experience is intended to be lived out corporately and not separately!
A Temple ()
The “house of God” was where God meets with His people. The first “house of God” was the Tabernacle. The second “house of God” was the Temple. Today the “house of God” is His people.
But, the Church is not your typical temple or building. For one, it’s not built on cement, but on the Old Testament prophets and New Testament Apostles, or those men charged with the assignment of revealing God’s word. Secondly, instead of a building made up of brick and mortar, each member represents a stone in this building (). Finally, Christ, and not men, is building this building (). By the way, this building is still under construction!
A Family (-)
God has united the angels and the departed saints that are in heaven, along with those who are in the Church on Earth into one family or household (). This means that the Church should function, not only as a body, but as a family. There should be familial love (affection) between Church members (). Church members are supposed to exercise that deep love (devotion) that often exist between family members.
A Bride (, )
A Flock ()
A Vine ()
How do we become a member of the Church?
How do we become a member of the Church?
A. Universally?
A. Universally?
B. Locally?
B. Locally?
What is the Church’s function?
What is the Church’s function?
A. Make Disciples
A. Make Disciples
B. Be Christ
B. Be Christ
C. Be Priests
C. Be Priests