WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

AIM: to teach the importance of and the true meaning of the church.

Point of contact: God established two important institutions, the home and the church. He established homes for the growth of the race of men. He established the church for the growth and propagation of the gospel. To destroy the institution of the home or the institution of the church is tragic indeed. Today we want to study the "The Church" so that we can do our part to preserve it.

Introduction: the Bible and the Church stand together. The church is a New Testament institution. It is in the New Testament that we find the origin of the church, the pattern of the church, the mission of the church, and the early history of the church.

The New Testament therefore, must ever be the handbook of the church. Man made creeds are not to be substituted for the authority of the New Testament. Most of the errors which have found their way into the churches can be traced to a departure from or misinterpretation of the teachings of the New Testament. In the next few lessons we will be studying what the Bible teaches about the church's. Today our lesson is on the church.

I. The meaning of the word "church" comes from the Greek word "ecclesia."

1. "Ecclesia" comes from two Greek words meaning "from" and "Kalea" meaning "to call out," hence the word means "to call from."

2. The word "ecclesia" was in common usage during the time of Christ. It was applied to the assembly of the citizen's of a city summoned by an individual blowing a horn through the streets. Acts 19:35--39.

3. Any "called out" assembly could have been called an "ecclesia."

4. Christ made use of the word "ecclesia" for His called out assembly. Matthew 16:18.

II. The definition of a New Testament Church.

It is a visible, local, organized, body that is composed of (Scripturally) baptized believers in Christ associated together by a covenant of faith and fellowship in the Gospel and whose head is Jesus Christ. Such was the early church. Acts 2:41,42.

III. The Usages of the Word Church in the New Testament.

1. The word "church" or "ecclesia" is used 117 times in the New Testament. All but five of these times (Acts 7:38; 19:32, 39, 41, and Hebrews 2:12) refer to Christ's "ecclesia." These 112 uses of the word refer either to a particular assembly on earth or to His General Assembly in Glory or to the "Church" in an institutional sense.

2. The common and usual meaning of the word "church" is a particular assembly of Christ's believers on earth as "unto the church of God which is at Corinth" (I Corinthians 1:1) or particular assemblies addressed collectively (Galatians 1:2) in the plural number which indicates individual identity and usage.

3. In this common and particular usage of the word "ecclesia" we expect to find abstract usages (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 3:10, 21) in the sense of an institution. However the abstract and generic finds concrete expression and takes operative shape always from the particular assembly. Eg. The application of the instruction for Matthew 18;17 must be in a particular assembly. Also the jury system is only operable in the concrete.

4. Twice the word "church" is used as referring to the assembly of saints in Glory. Ephesians 5:27 and Hebrews 12:23. This is prospective, that is, there is not now but there will be a general assembly of Christ's people.

IV. Some common errors in usage of the word "church."

1. Sometimes the word "church" is used for a universal body of believers. This is an improper usage and is not scriptural. Never could we imagine "all believers" as a "called out assembly" on this earth.

This doctrine is followed by those who have a misunderstanding of the "Body of Christ" and who have interpreted wrongly I Corinthians 12:13.

Notice there that Paul is writing to the church at Corinth and is explaining to them the spiritual gifts that are given to the churches. We cannot definitely tell whether Spirit should be capitalized or not. If it should be, then Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit and Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit has directed us and baptized (placed us into) one body (a particular local assembly -- see verse 27). I am of the opinion this is correct, as Paul in the context has said the Holy Spirit has given ability to different ones so that the local church (the Body of Christ in that particular spot) would be effectual in its work.

2. The word "church" is also used for a denomination, such as, the Baptist Church, meaning all Baptists. This is an improper and unscriptural meaning.

3. The word "church" is very commonly referred to as the meeting house. Scripturally speaking, this is an improper use. People form a church, not brick or wood.

V. The practical value of this knowledge.

1. To have a scriptural foundation for further study of the church.

2. Some people are satisfied that they are a member of the so-called Universal Church. This belief causes people to be disloyal, unconcerned, and complacent about the local church. Often they don't tithe to it but tithe elsewhere. Often they do not feel it is necessary to regularly attend or work in it. Often they do not realize that it is God's institution for the propagation and preservation of the Gospel. Eg. The ordinances which picture the gospel are entrusted to the local church for safekeeping.

4. To realize that the letters in the Bible written to churches have a primary application to Christians that are in local churches and not to Christians in general who are out of local churches.

Conclusion: The local church is important to God and man.

Discuss: How can we make our church a better church.

Questions:

1. What does the word church come from and what does it mean?

2. Were the Christians in the early church scripturally baptized?

3. Were the Christians in the early church associated together by a covenant of faith?

4. Were the Christians in the early church a local group?

5. How many times is "ecclesia" found in the New Testament?

6. How many times does the word "ecclesia" refer to Christ's "ecclesia"?

7. Name the three usages to which the word church may be used?

8. State the two times "church" is used in an institutional sense?

9. State the two times "church" is used about the assembly in Glory?

10. Refute the idea that there is a Universal church?

11. What is often the attitude of people who believe in a Universal church?