What is the Church?
Ekklesiology: Study of the Church • Sermon • Submitted
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· 5 viewsThe purpose of the Church is to bring God Glory
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Christ in History
Christ in History
Was Christ confined to a short period in history? (ie..while he walked among us)
1) Or is he the Lord of History?
Ancient and Modern Heresies
Docetism (2nd Century)
This heresy was coined from the Greek word, “dokesis” which means “to seem”. It taught Jesus only appeared to have a body and was not truly incarnate. Docetists viewed matter as inherently evil, and therefore rejected the idea God could actually appear in bodily form. By denying Jesus truly had a body, they also denied He suffered on the cross and rose from the dead.
Docetism (2nd Century) Gnostics, Christian Science, Mind Science and New Age Movements.
This heresy was coined from the Greek word, “dokesis” which means “to seem”. It taught Jesus only appeared to have a body and was not truly incarnate. Docetists viewed matter as inherently evil, and therefore rejected the idea God could actually appear in bodily form. By denying Jesus truly had a body, they also denied He suffered on the cross and rose from the dead.
Or is he the Lord of History?
Leader(s) in the Heresy: Attributed to Gnostics and promoted by the Gospel of PeterOr is he the Lord of History?
Leader(s) in the Heresy: Attributed to Gnostics and promoted by the Gospel of PeterOr is he the Lord of History?
Arianism (4th Century) Jehovah Witnesses and Unitarians
This heresy taught Jesus was a “creature” who was “begotten” of the Father. Only God the Father is “un-begotten”. In this view, only the Father is truly God; He was too pure and perfect to appear here on earth, so He created the Son as His first creation. The Son then created the universe. God then adopted Jesus as a son (because, after all Jesus and God are not supposed to have the same nature in this view). Jesus was worshipped only because of His preeminence as the first creation
Sabellianism (modelism) - Oneness Pentecostals.
Jesus the Lord of History
What do we learn about the Lord Jesus Christ from the following verses? (, ; ; ;)
What do we learn about the Lord Jesus Christ from the following verses? (, ; ; ;)
He is the one who was, who is and who is to come (,; ; )
a) He is the one who was, who is and who is to come (,; ; )
He is the one who was, who is and who is to come (,; ; )
How has the Father interacted in history through the Son? (, , );
Christ in Creation (, , )
The relationship of creation to Christ (, )
The relationship of creation to Christ (, )
The authority of Christ over creation (; ; )
b) The Father interacts in history through the Son.
The authority of Christ over creation (; ; )
The Father interacts in history through the Son.
The Father interacts in history through the Son.
The Father interacts in history through the Son.
i) Christ is the foreordained Mediator before the foundation of the earth. , Christ
Christ is the foreordained Mediator before the foundation of the earth. , ,
(1) “5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (, NKJV)
“5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (, NKJV)
(2) “24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (, NKJV)
“24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (, NKJV)
(3) “20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (, NKJV)
“20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (, NKJV)
Christ is the Creator. All things were created by him.
Christ is the Creator. All things were created by him.
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (, NKJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (, NKJV)
(2) “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;” (, NKJV)
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;” (, NKJV)
(3) “10 And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.” (, NKJV)
“10 And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.” (, NKJV)
All things exist through the Son and for the Son.
All things exist through the Son and for the Son.
(1) “6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (, NKJV)
“6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” (, NKJV)
(2) “16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (, NKJV)
“16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (, NKJV)
All authority is found in Christ.
All authority is found in Christ.
(1) “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (, NKJV)
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (, NKJV)
(2) “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,” (, NKJV)
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,” (, NKJV)
The Father has subjected all things to the Son, and when history is culminated the son will return all things to the Father.
The Father has subjected all things to the Son, and when history is culminated the son will return all things to the Father.
(1) “Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” (, NKJV)
“Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” (, NKJV)
How does all this relate to the Church? ()
How does all this relate to the Church? ()
How does all this relate to the Church? ()
(8) "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (9) and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (10) to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by (or through (ESV, NASB) the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,“().
(8) "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (9) and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (10) to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by (or through (ESV, NASB) the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,“().
(8) "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (9) and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (10) to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by (or through (ESV, NASB) the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,“().
Paul here is specifically talking about the mystery that Gentiles have been made fellow heirs, and one with believing Jews in the same body (the Church of Jesus Christ) and are partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. ()
Paul here is specifically talking about the mystery that Gentiles have been made fellow heirs, and one with believing Jews in the same body (the Church of Jesus Christ) and are partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. ()
Pauls testimony to Agripa about his call to the Gentiles (, )
Pauls testimony to Agripa about his call to the Gentiles (, )
The church is extremely important in this age, just as Israel, and how God dealt with Israel was important in the Old Testament. We know that God’s dealings with Israel serve as an example to us today in the church. ()
The church is extremely important in this age, just as Israel, and how God dealt with Israel was important in the Old Testament. We know that God’s dealings with Israel serve as an example to us today in the church. ()
The church is extremely important in this age, just as Israel, and how God dealt with Israel was important in the Old Testament. We know that God’s dealings with Israel serve as an example to us today in the church. ()
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
(1) “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
0“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (, NKJV)
But here in Ephesians Chapter 3 the verse is stating what God’s intent for the church is. That
But here in Ephesians Chapter 3 the verse is stating what God’s intent for the church is. That
i) The manifold wisdom of God
The manifold wisdom of God
Might be made known by the church
ii) Might be made known by the church
To the principalities and powers in the heavenly places
iii) To the principalities and powers in the heavenly places
This last phase is referring to spiritual powers, such as angels and demons, who are examining the church to learn about the wisdom and plan of God. (cf: ; ; ; )
(1) This last phase is referring to spiritual powers, such as angels and demons, who are examining the church to learn about the wisdom and plan of God. (cf: ; ; ; )
God is giving a lesson about his own wisdom to the angels in heaven through the church. Remember that Peter tells us the angels desire to look into things pertaining to the gospel ()
And who rejoices in heaven whenever a lost person repents and is saved? ()
(a) God is showing his grace to lost man, to those who have rebelled against him, to those who hate him, to those who murdered his precious Son. He is showing them grace by Saving them, predestining them, by electing them to redemption through Jesus Christ. All this grace is a lesson to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
God is showing his grace to lost man, to those who have rebelled against him, to those who hate him, to those who murdered his precious Son. He is showing them grace by Saving them, predestining them, by electing them to redemption through Jesus Christ. All this grace is a lesson to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
God is showing his grace to lost man, to those who have rebelled against him, to those who hate him, to those who murdered his precious Son. He is showing them grace by Saving them, predestining them, by electing them to redemption through Jesus Christ. All this grace is a lesson to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
The Church
The Church
So, with that in mind: What is the Church?
2) So, with that in mind:
The Meaning of the Word Church
What is the Church?
i) The Meaning of the Word Church
(1) A. The English Word
A. The English Word - The English word church (and the cognate form kirk) are derived from the Greek word kyriakon, which means “belonging to the Lord.” The only two uses of that word in the New Testament occur in (referring to the Lord’s Supper) and (referring to the Lord’s Day).
(a) The English word church (and the cognate form kirk) are derived from the Greek word kyriakon, which means “belonging to the Lord.” The only two uses of that word in the New Testament occur in (referring to the Lord’s Supper) and (referring to the Lord’s Day).
The English word church (and the cognate form kirk) are derived from the Greek word kyriakon, which means “belonging to the Lord.” The only two uses of that word in the New Testament occur in (referring to the Lord’s Supper) and (referring to the Lord’s Day).
(2) B. The Hebrew Word
The Hebrew Word - The Hebrew word qahal means simply an assembly and is usually translated in the Septuagint by ekklesia. However, it does not necessarily refer to a religious assembly (; ; ), though most often it does refer to the congregation of Israel.
The Hebrew word qahal means simply an assembly and is usually translated in the Septuagint by ekklesia. However, it does not necessarily refer to a religious assembly (; ; ), though most often it does refer to the congregation of Israel.
(a) The Hebrew word qahal means simply an assembly and is usually translated in the Septuagint by ekklesia. However, it does not necessarily refer to a religious assembly (; ; ), though most often it does refer to the congregation of Israel.
The Greek Word - In the Septuagint ekklēsia generally translates the Hebrew term qahal, which, like the Greek term, refers to those who are “called out” or “assembled” by God as his special possession. (; ; ); ,; )
(3) C. The Greek Word
The key element in all these verses using ekklesia is the emphasis on the call of God, followed by the response of the ones called in belief, worship, praise, and obedience, and God’s solemn covenant with them to bless them and to be their God.
(a) In the Septuagint ekklēsia generally translates the Hebrew term qahal, which, like the Greek term, refers to those who are “called out” or “assembled” by God as his special possession. (; ; ); ,; )
OT Examples of God’s Call.
The key element in all these verses using ekklesia is the emphasis on the call of God, followed by the response of the ones called and God’s solemn covenant with them to bless them and to be their God.
The call of Abraham () () (, ) (, ) (; )
i) The call of Abraham ()
(1) Abrahams Father and relatives were idol worshipers.
Abrahams Father and relatives were idol worshipers.
“And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods.” (, NKJV)
(a) “And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods.” (, NKJV)
ii) Reaffirmation to Abraham (,)
Reaffirmation to Abraham (,)
God’s promise for Abraham’s descendants (, )
iii) God’s promise for Abraham’s descendants (, )
iv) Abrahams response was to believe () and Worship ()
Abrahams response was to believe () and Worship ()
God’s call to Abraham and later to his descendants was the creation of an ekklesia, or an assembly of a called-out people. They were called out of the common and were made un-common. That is why they are told “Be Holy for I am Holy”.
v) God’s call to Abraham and later to his descendants was the creation of an ekklesia, or an assembly of a called-out people. They were called out of the common and were made un-common. That is why they are told “Be Holy for I am Holy”.
The call of Abraham was initiated by God for his own purposes and it was met by faith, worship, love and obedience on the part of Abraham. This is an example for us, the church.
vi) The call of Abraham was initiated by God for his own purposes and it was met by faith, worship, love and obedience on the part of Abraham. This is an example for us, the church.
So what exactly is the Church?
b) So what exactly is the Church?
Concepts of the Church
Concepts of the Church
There is the Invisible church—all believers in heaven or on earth. ()
i) (1) There is the universal church—all believers in heaven or on earth.
The invisible church is the church as God sees it. (, ,; ; )
From the Roman Catholic point of view, there is no invisible church… Only the Church of Rome as the visible, one, true church.
There is the visible church— churches in various areas, especially those I am acquainted with.
ii) (2) There is the visible church—local churches in various areas, especially those I am acquainted with.
The visible church is the church as Christians on earth see it.
Can you be part of the visible church without being part of the invisible church? (, )
Not all in the visible church are believers. That is why Paul mentions Hymenaeus and Philetus who have strayed concerning the truth.... and they overthrow the faith of some. Paul then says, “the Lord knows those who are his” ()
(3) There is the local church—the particular assembly with which I have my primary and sustained relation. Every believer actually belongs to all these three aspects of the church, and applies to any of them with which he has contact at any time.
There is the local church—the particular assembly with which I have my primary and sustained relation. (; ; ,)
When did the Church begin?
Who started the Church? ()
The Church was Founded by Jesus Christ.
a) The Church was Founded by Jesus Christ.
b) the first mention of the church in the NT is found in Mathew 16:18.
the first mention of the church in the NT is found in ().
i) And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. ()
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. ()
ii) This all came in response to a pair of questions Jesus had asked His disciples.
This all came in response to a pair of questions Jesus had asked His disciples.
“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
(1) “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
(2) “But who do you say that I am?”
“But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered for the rest, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." ()
(a) Peter answered for the rest, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (16:16)
It was after this confession of Peter that the Lord began to speak about the “Church”
(i) It was after this confession of Peter that the Lord began to speak about the “Church”
At that point Jesus began to speak of the church and of the sufferings that would precede its founding. ().
At that point Jesus began to speak of the church and of the sufferings that would precede its founding. ()
Jesus immediately begins to speak of his coming suffering and death for the building of His Church.
Who or what is the Rock?
1) Who is the Rock? (disclaimer: PJ is not dogmatic on this subject, and while I am not saying that I cant be wrong on this, with my background coming out of the RC church, I am probably a lot stronger on this issue than maybe someone with a different background.
a) Peter, Jesus, or Peters Confession? (, , , )
Share my bias (disclaimer: PJ is not dogmatic on this subject, and while I am not saying that I can’t be wrong on this, with my background coming out of the RC church, I am probably a lot stronger on this issue than maybe someone with a different background.
Share my bias (disclaimer: PJ is not dogmatic on this subject, and while I am not saying that I can’t be wrong on this, with my background coming out of the RC church, I am probably a lot more biased on this issue than maybe someone with a different background. ( I don’t speak or read greek so I am like the welder speaking to Pastor Heinrick).
There are good arguments to be made for each of these positions, but I find this to be very compelling. Not long after the resurrection Peter and John were preaching and were arrested by the Sanhedrin, the same body that had tried and condemned Jesus, and were asked to give an account of themselves. Peter used the occasion to testify clearly to the Lord. He spoke of Christ's power, through which a crippled man had just been healed. Then he continued on in clear reference to Christ. "This is the stone (lithos “building stone) which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head (The head, top, that which is uppermost in relation to something) of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ().
i) Not long after the resurrection Peter and John were preaching and were arrested by the Sanhedrin, the same body that had tried and condemned Jesus, and were asked to give an account of themselves. Peter used the occasion to testify clearly to the Lord. He spoke of Christ's power, through which a crippled man had just been healed. Then he continued on in clear reference to Christ. "This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ().
The head, top, that which is uppermost in relation to something) of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ().
(you are the Christ the Son of the Living God…)
Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.of the corner. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ().
We have the same thing in Peter's first epistle, in which he compared Christ to a foundation stone upon which we, as quarried stones, may be fastened. His words are, "Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen (elekton) and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame' " ().
ii) We have the same thing in Peter's first epistle, in which he compared Christ to a foundation stone upon which we, as quarried stones, may be fastened. His words are, "Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame' " ().
i) More Stone Ref….
More Stone Ref…
ii) The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.
The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.
iii) Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
From him comes the cornerstone, From him the tent peg, From him the battle bow, From him every ruler together.
iv) From him comes the cornerstone, From him the tent peg, From him the battle bow, From him every ruler together.
Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. THIS WAS THE LORD'S DOING, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES' ?
v) Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. THIS WAS THE LORD'S DOING, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES' ?
vi) Have you not even read this Scripture: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
Have you not even read this Scripture: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.
vii) Then He looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE' ?
Then He looked at them and said, "What then is this that is written: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE' ?
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,"
Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,"
(1) So, there are varying views, but in my biased view, and I am biased, this passage really means: “You, Peter, are a little quarried stone, solid (in this confession at least) but easily moved. I, by contrast, am the living rock of ages, and on that solid foundation, which your confession points to, I will build my church.”
So, there are varying views, but in my biased view, and I am biased, this passage really means: “You, Peter, are a little quarried stone, solid (in this confession at least) but easily moved. I, by contrast, am the living rock of ages, and on that solid foundation, which your confession points to, I will build my church.”
2) Regardless of which view you take, the first thing that must be said about the church is that the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ is its foundation.
Regardless of which view you take, the first thing that must be said about the church is that the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ is its foundation (; ).
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (, NKJV)
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (, NKJV)
It is based on him. It is the assembled body of those for whose sins he, the eternal Son of God, died to make atonement. ()
a) It is based on him. It is the assembled body of those for whose sins he, the eternal Son of God, died to make atonement.
It is based on him. It is the assembled body of those for whose sins he, the eternal Son of God, died to make atonement. () “which he purchased with His own blood”
Any assembly of people founded on any other foundation is not the church, no matter what it calls itself.
b) Any assembly of people founded on any other foundation is not the church, no matter what it calls itself.
Any assembly of people founded on any other foundation is not the church, no matter what it calls itself.
On the other hand, all who are united to the crucified but risen Christ by faith are part of his church.
c) On the other hand, all who are united to the crucified but risen Christ by faith are part of his church.
On the other hand, all who are united to the crucified but risen Christ by faith are part of his church.
3) As Good Jews, what were the disciples expecting, or wanting from Christ?
As Jews, what were the disciples expecting, or wanting from Christ?
a) An important point of this first mention of the church in the New Testament is its stress on the work of Christ.
An important point of this first mention of the church in the New Testament is its stress on the work of Christ. ()
b) Peter had pointed to Christ's person, confessing that he was "the Christ, the Son of the living God." But after acknowledging that this was correct, Jesus said that his initial work as Messiah (Christ) would not be what the disciples expected of him. Rather it would be a work of suffering and death. "From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised" ().
Peter had pointed to Christ's person, confessing that he was "the Christ, the Son of the living God." But after acknowledging that this was correct, Jesus said that his initial work as Messiah (Christ) would not be what the disciples expected of him. Rather it would be a work of suffering and death. "From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised" ().
c) Peter did not understand that. He thought it unnecessary and rebuked Christ for it. "God forbid, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you."
Peter did not understand that. He thought it unnecessary and rebuked Christ for it. "God forbid, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you."
d) But Jesus considered his suffering so necessary that he regarded Peter's words as a satanic temptation. He answered Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men" (vv. 22-23).
But Jesus considered his suffering so necessary that he regarded Peter's words as a satanic temptation. He answered Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men" (vv. ).
So the Church is being Built by Christ. It is his work. ()
i) So the Church is being Built by Christ. It is his work. ()
(1) (a) it was a work future to His earthly life;
it was a work future to His earthly life;
it was not the same as the kingdom about which He also taught;
(2) (b) it was not the same as the kingdom about which He also taught;
(3) (c) it must have been something different from the theocracy of Israel.
it must have been something different from the theocracy of Israel.
ii) He is the foundation of the Church. It is based on Him.
He is the foundation of the Church. It is based on Him.
iii) It is the assembly of those who have had their sins atoned for, and who have responded by faith and repentance.
It is the assembly of those who have had their sins atoned for, and who have responded by faith and repentance.
iv) No other assemble group founded on any other foundation is a church.
No other assemble group founded on any other foundation is a church.
What is the work of the Spirit in the Church?
2) What is the work of the Spirit in the Church?
A second unique characteristic of the New Testament church is that it is brought into being and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
a) A second unique characteristic of the New Testament church is that it is brought into being and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” (, NKJV)
i) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” (, NKJV)
He empowers the Church. (; )
(1) He empowers the Church. (; )
He fills and empowers believers (, , , )
He fills and empowers believers (, , , )
(2) He conforms believers to the image of Christ ()
He conforms believers to the image of Christ (, , )
(3) Christ is with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Christ is with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. (, ; )
(a) “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—” (, NKJV)
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—” (, NKJV)
(b) “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (, NKJV)
“the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (, NKJV)
(c) “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (, NKJV)
“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (, NKJV)
(d) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (, NKJV)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (, NKJV)